Do Not Grow Weary

Homeschooling reaps rewards for children and parents alike - 100 times over!  It is truly a blessing to be a part of a child's education: seeing his face light up when he "gets" a concept, reading aloud a living book while snuggled up on the sofa, and learning fascinating subjects alongside her.  Or just spending time together.  There are days, though, which are challenging.  You know the days... The children don't behave.  The baby makes a huge mess right as school is about to begin.  Mom (or Dad) is not teaching with 2 full cups of coffee in her system.  The children aren't interested in the prepared lessons.  Home school is not for the faint of heart!  One day last week, I was having "one of those days".  I emailed a friend and briefly mentioned a test on which my child flopped.  I felt discouraged.  Why am I home schooling again?  I received this wise and encouraging response in reply (shortened a little, hence all the ellipsis):

"I'm sorry you had a rough homeschooling day!  Don't let that test get you down!  Your past 5 years of hard work HAVE paid off in SO many ways.  In addition to a wonderful education, [your children] are blessed to be with a momma all day who is a godly role model who teaches them about GOD & loves them so much!  Because [they] spend everyday together, they are learning how to get along, love one another, and are developing a close relationship with one other.  [Your son] has plenty of time to tear apart old cell phones (and anything else old he can get his hand on), only to glue it back into new creation.  We're giving our children so much more than a perfect score on a test... The time you have together as a family is a gift!  Time you will NEVER get back... Don't get discouraged!  Our kids are receiving character training right now which is much more important than a test.  Remember, we're still in the middle of it all.  We haven't seen the finished product.  Our children's futures do not rest in a 3rd grade test score.  It's so easy to become anxious and discouraged.  I pray that in these times of anxiousness, we will give it all to the Lord.  He is faithful!  He is our strength!  He is our refuge!"

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Do not lose heart, my fellow home schooling friends!  And, by the grace and strength of God, I won't either!  :)