Thank you for being such a vital part of this community. If you're like me, the doubts about continuing to homeschool creep in regularly. (I believe in honest conversations here). The questioning looks when strangers find out you homeschool. The awkward moments when your child doesn't mix in with neighbors or sports teams because they don't attend the local school. The well-meaning family members who wonder aloud if you're doing the right thing.
In many quiet moments after these encounters, I find myself wondering:
Am I really doing the right thing for my children?
For me? For the world?
Maybe you can relate to that question. Especially after last week. And after over 11 years of homeschooling, I'm still learning alongside you in the trenches with two children going completely different directions.
While our teen son needs a full-time chef, chauffeur, and counselor for those deep late-night conversations, our daughter is enjoying making new friends in our new homeschool community, nature journaling, crafting and reading books like The Hobbit, Marvels of the Occident, the Narnia series and many others for the first time this year.
None of this could be considered “easy.”
It’s a consistent, daily, intentional CHOICE.
In the midst of our days, we might also think things like:
"I wish I could have more of an impact on the world."
"What's my legacy look like if I'm at home all day with my kids?"
"Shouldn't I be doing something more... significant?"
These thoughts whisper lies that what we're doing isn't enough and that real impact happens somewhere else, with someone else. As I sit and read aloud day after day, those same thoughts creep into my mind too.
But can I please encourage you... you're not "just" a homeschool parent.
You're influencing generations upon generations.
As Mother Teresa once said: "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."
We don't know how many days we'll be on this earth, but God does. He sees the eternal value in what you're choosing to do right now.
You're laying down your ego for the greatest cause of humanity.
Your children.
God may not be calling you to step OUT in faith, but to step INTO your faith at home. This might look like:
Changing diapers & washing dishes
Reading aloud (again and again)
Morning devotions & prayers
Deep discussions over homemade dinners
Daily habit & character development
The world doesn't necessarily need another celebrity or politician.
The world needs faithful mothers and fathers who are willing to pour into the hearts and minds of their children day after day, year after year.
Think about it! You are shaping the leaders, innovators, servants, and world-changers of tomorrow right there at your kitchen table. The child you're teaching fractions to today might grow up to be the missionary who changes a nation. The daughter you're reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to might become the mother who raises the next generation of humble yet righteous sons and daughters.
Your impact isn't measured in social media followers or public recognition.
It's measured in character formed, truth planted, and love demonstrated in countless small moments that add up to a lifetime of influence – influence that will ripple through generations you'll never even meet.
So on those days when you feel invisible (hugs!) or wonder if any of this matters, remember: you are changing the world.
One child, one lesson, one moment of love at a time.