Dreams, Drudgery, Dread

When did homeschooling go from a dreamy idea to drudgery?

In the beginning of homeschool, my aspirations were high. With all my heart I believed that homeschooling was a dream come true for us, that it would bear fruit of love for learning and school. Pictures of us laughing and joking, and trying to do fun projects filled my head.  My dream was for it to be a delightful time of creating memories we'd all treasure for our entire lives.If only my children cooperated my vision might have been a reality. Then of course there is the law and the fear that comes from hearing "its the law".  My lofty dreams started to crack, the crevices grew and grew, until all my dreams were shattered.

Dreams turned to drudgery. School became an unpleasant task that was required by law. We worked to fulfill the legal requirements, no more fun and games. There was no time for projects, and no money for field trips or extra curriucular activities or classes.  Bear in mind that this all took place gradually over several years.

About 3 years ago it got worse. We all openly admitted that we DREADED each morning because it meant..you guessed it...another day of school.  Making matters worse was that due to many long distance moves and unplanned renovations in our home, academically we slipped behind, slowly. Little by little, year by year, until our present situation, where we are grade level wise almost 2 yrs. in arears. 

Can we turn to tide?  Will we ever delight in schooling?  Knowing it is God's Will for our family doesn't make us enjoy it. Maybe it should, but we can't seem to muster that up yet.   It is one of the new goals though...to turn dread to delight....but we need Divine Wisdom from the LORD to do it. He has promised it to us....  "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that fiveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him." James 1:5  

If your homeschool has become a slough of despond and dreaded drudgery, join us in praying for God to turn it around for us, and let us delight in HIS will, in this no matter how difficult the path may be.