Homeschooling with Intention: Reflecting on What Matters Most

Audio By Carbonatix

I’ve been thinking a lot about balance lately, especially in the context of homeschooling. Life can feel like a constant race, trying to juggle all the responsibilities that come our way. Ecclesiastes 4:6 reminds me, “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” This scripture speaks to me about the importance of tranquility over the constant hustle. Reflecting on this, I ask myself a few questions to realign my focus and energy.

Here’s what I’m asking myself today:

1. How’s my energy? Is anything draining too much of it?

I take a moment to consider what’s sapping my energy. Is it a specific task, a person, or even a mindset? Identifying these energy drains helps me to address them head-on. For example, I’ve noticed that overcommitting to extracurricular activities leaves me exhausted and less present for my family and homeschooling. Simplifying our schedule has brought more peace and allowed me to be more engaged with my children’s education.

2. What do I want this next season to feel and look like?

Dreaming and planning for the future keeps me motivated. Proverbs 16:8 says, “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” I want our next season to be marked by righteousness, peace, and intentionality rather than just productivity or financial gain. This might mean saying no to certain opportunities to protect our family time and well-being. In our homeschooling journey, this translates to choosing activities and studies that align with our values and bring us closer as a family.

3. Is anything stressing me out or taking up much of my brain space?

Stress can be a sneaky thief of joy. When I identify what’s causing me the most stress, I can take steps to manage it. Lately, I’ve been stressing over my children’s curriculum choices and feeling overwhelmed by the vast number of options. I’ve learned to trust that God will guide our educational journey as He does with every other aspect of our lives. This has helped me focus on what truly matters and let go of the pressure to do everything perfectly.

4. What action can I take now to balance out my time and energy better?

Balancing time and energy is an ongoing challenge. One practical tip I’ve gleaned from my experiences is to create a daily rhythm that includes time for work, rest, and play. This balance ensures that I’m productive and enjoying the journey. Our homeschooling routine includes incorporating breaks and fun activities that refresh me and my children, making learning more enjoyable.

5. Are my routines working for me, or do I need to shift them?

Routines are meant to serve us, not the other way around. If something isn’t working, it’s okay to change it. I recently shifted our homeschooling schedule to start our day later in the morning, allowing for more restful mornings and better focus. This small change has dramatically impacted our overall mood and productivity.

6. What have I been craving (in life, creativity, work, relationships, and wellness)?

 Understanding what I’m craving helps me to align my actions with my true desires. I’ve been craving more creative outlets, so I’ve started incorporating art projects into our homeschooling. This fulfills my creative needs and enriches my children’s learning experience. Seeing them express themselves through art and share that creative time is a joy.

Ecclesiastes 1:17 reminds us, “So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind.”

This is a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters and to let go of the rest. In homeschooling, this means prioritizing quality over quantity and being present in each moment with my children.

Tips for assessing your life:

• Reflect regularly: Set aside time weekly to reflect on these questions.
• Simplify your schedule: Identify and eliminate activities that do not bring joy or peace.
• Set boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no to non-essential commitments.
• Prioritize rest: Ensure your daily routine includes time for rest and relaxation.
• Stay flexible: Be willing to adjust your routines as needed to suit your current season better.

Balancing life is an ongoing journey, but by regularly assessing and adjusting, we can find tranquility amidst the chaos, especially in our homeschooling adventures.

Additional Resources

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• Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

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Purchase the course here.

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