Friday, February 16, 2007

Thinking about giving up...

Disclaimer - I realize that it's been a long time since I've blogged, and I didn't plan for my first blog in two weeks to be like this one...

I was thinking that we had discovered the thing that was really going to work for us with homeschooling. And in the last couple of days, I've found out that it's not working like I thought it was. I feel so incredibly discouraged, and thoughts of giving up are flooding my head.

Then I think about the alternatives. And I know that I can't give up. But, quite honestly, I feel like an utter failure as a homeschool mom right now.

The whole balance thing is seeming to ellude me. I'm a help meet, a homemaker, a mom to six wonderful in-arms Blessings, growing another Blessing inside, a homeschooling mom, a vital part of our home-based business, part of our local body of believers, an advocate for healthy birth options in Missouri... and I'm not sure I'm getting a "passing grade" in any of it right now.

I'm headed over to re-read the post by Amy Scott that I read yesterday (before I really started to need it). Maybe that's why the Lord led me to it yesterday (thanks, Shawna!), so that it could be brought to mind today.

Anyhoo... do any of you ever get totally discouraged about this journey we're on, or is it just me?

Any helpful words of wisdom?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope this link will encourage you.

Laurel said...

Thank you, Amy!! I've meant to download that a bunch of times and I've never gotten around to it. Going to get it now. Thanks for being such a wonderful encourager!

Anonymous said...

Of course, I can't relate on most any level to the specific things you are going through, but I do know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and be in that spot where I think that nothing is working right and nothing I am doing is being done the way it should be done. What I have learned, especially this past year, is that I just have to step back, do some self-care, and then just literally take one task at a time until I feel like my head is above the waterline.

Honestly, I don't know how you do it all. It has always amazed and baffled me. I can barely keep my balls up in the air and I just have a husband, job and two dogs. I can't imagine adding children to the mix - and homeschooling to boot.

But, know this...I know you do an amazing job at what you do. I tell people over and over again how wonderful you are and how caring and kind and respectful and fun your children are. Remember, it's me, the one who is afraid of kids, and I spent a day at the zoo with your whole brood and had a blast!

Here is an encouraging quote for you: Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes Courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

Be good to yourself. Rest in His loving arms. You are precious and you are loved.

Laurel said...

Thank you, Tracy!

HopiQ said...

http://www.homeschoolmarketplace.com/e-zines/ejournalmar1406.htm

This is part 2 of a three part series. Just read it...I love practical suggestions like this!

Hang in there! All of us struggle and need the reassurance that we all DO struggle. I was talking to a friend today about this, and we were both encouraged knowing that we aren't alone in our difficulties. We need the Lord so much...and He graciously reminds us. :)

Laurel said...

Thanks Hopi! That looks like a great resource.