There’s nothing like seeing the eyes of their understanding opened.
For me, that’s one of the greatest rewards of homeschooling. One moment, the Hobbs children have no idea how to solve a problem. But after a series of lessons, a light bulb goes off in their minds and they suddenly get it!
I think I’m more thrilled than they are each time this happens. And it’s not just because they’re learning new things, which is very exciting. But also, it’s because I see that I have the power to teach them, which never gets old.
You see, when I first pondered the idea of home education, like most parents, it scared me. Since education is the key to unlock many opportunities in life I wanted to give our children comprehensive schooling. I wasn't sure I could, so I was extremely nervous that they would be somehow deficient under my tutelage, and that my lessons would be lacking.
I wondered, Can I really teach them? Do I have the wherewithal to educate them well?
It wasn’t until I began attending Homeschool Association meetings with retired teachers that my confidence grew. These women had been there, done that, both in public school and homeschool. Many of these educators had taught their children at home until sending them off to college and later watching them graduate with honors.
I cannot tell you how comforting it was to have experienced veterans impart wisdom and tell me, “You can do it!” I was truly blessed to be able to glean the knowledge and insight that continues to make my homeschooling experience wonderful.
But I must admit, even after being mentored, I had to make a transition in my mind in order to apply what I had learned.
As the saying goes, it was time for the student to become the teacher… but I was terrified! I was too afraid to step out.
It took lots of prayer and “doing it afraid” before I began relaxing and trusting God through those initial phases.
Looking retrospectively, I can see that the process I went through in order to become proficient as a home educator, is the same one we must all go through when moving outside our comfort zones. Whether we feel ready or not, at some point, God will call us out of a place of apprenticeship into a position of leadership. Despite our nervousness, we'll have to do it anyway if we want to be in His will.
That doesn’t mean we stop learning or dismiss the wisdom of others. Absolutely not! Leaders are life-long learners, as well as great followers. They gravitate toward individuals God places in their lives to instruct and guide them.
But even while we're consistently growing in wisdom and knowledge, we can’t hide in the shadows. God did not call us to be “professional students," too scared to get out there in the real world and apply what we’ve learned. He wants us to realize that somebody needs the wisdom He has given us.
After all, God has not invested all that He has in us for us to sit down on it due to fear of failure.
He desires for us to open ourselves up and draw from that deep internal reservoir for the benefit of the masses.
That’s why today, I’m adding “the courage to step out” into your daily cup of inspiration. When you drink it down, you will feel empowered to move from a place of gleaning to a place of sowing so that others might reap. You will be emboldened to leave the shadows and step into the light for the glory of God.
The world is waiting… so what are you waiting for?
Today is your day to stop being afraid and start believing that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you can do whatever God has called you to do. Meditate on Philippians 4:13 until it gets in your spirit so much that you find yourself stepping out in faith.
Lord, thank You for all that You have invested in me. Although I know You have blessed me to be a blessing, sometimes I feel too fearful to step into the roles You are calling me to fulfill. But today, I’m releasing my fear and embracing confidence to believe that You have empowered and equipped me to impact the world for Your glory. Right now, I accept my assignment and boldly walk in the authority You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!