Contemplating the Run

I wanted to add to my thankful list last night, but my husband had taken over my computer, and then he turned the Internet off before I got a chance.  I got a very sweet and thoughtful email from one of my children yesterday.  They had read my blog post and had some input.  They have been involved in the discussion all along, but needed some clarification.  It made me happy, even if I don't have great answers for all of the questions, I have a quest.

There are so many trade offs, and now that I have said we are homeschooling out loud I have moments when I find it hard to breathe.  I am not a gifted teacher.  I do know this.  My kids know my weaknesses better than anyone.  If they can get their current teachers off on rabbit trails, you can bet they know how to take me off on one.  I cannot avoid dealing with my sin, it will be blowing up all around me.  I could go on for a long time on this path, but I just keep giving it to God.  He knows all of that, and much more.

I'm going to try to focus on how we came to this decision, and hope that I don't forget it.  My family is growing up.  I don't have that much time left with all of them at home.  If I am at a job, and they are all at school, I'm missing out on all of their growth.  We all get home, and there are chores to be done, food to be made, games to be watched, children who need hugs, Latin to be quizzed, and a thousand other things, all before 10:00 pm (hopefully).  There are a few who are struggling in different areas, who really need to be able to slow down.  They need to work at their own pace, and go over things until it sticks.  I have one in particular who loves to be outside.  I want them to have that opportunity.  There are some subjects that they aren't offered at our current school that I want them to be able to take.  We have grown up to the point that I can see where we need to provide some opportunities that we have not been able to think about in the past.  I am ready to take on a new set of challenges and a completely different schedule, in order to provide some new things in our home.  Rick is committed to this as well. In fact he is the one who keeps me from turning back.

Looking ahead is uncertain, frightening, a little like taking the lift to the top of the mountain and looking down the hill through all of the moguls wondering if it will be a glorious run, or if you will end up on the toboggan behind the ski patrol.  I'm expecting some spectacular crashes, with skis flying and powder everywhere, hopefully there will be a few stretches of tight turns, and speed with a few decent landings.  It may take me a few runs to get the hang of it.  The kids are all good sports.  They are excited about the unknown, probably because they are hoping we won't start our day until noon.  Boy, are they wrong!

Today I am thankful for:

College acceptance letters

Emails from children with really good questions, ones that require serious thought on my end

Sweet friends with encouraging words

Road trips in the future

White, snow capped mountains out my window

Sisters standing up for one another, don't mess with the Schumaker girls

Warm lattes on cold mornings

New adventures waiting for me every single morning

Prayer to mold me