I had been excitedly planning for the new school year since June. Despite this being the fullest year yet, with all five of our children “in school” now, I had been confident that this year would be incredible. Trusting that the Lord would lead me in all the little details of curriculum and scheduling, I was able to get through most of the summer without worrying about the upcoming school year. 

And then the last week before school officially started in September, the questions started flying. Suddenly, my confidence wavered and I looked in the mirror. My memories of all the past years of struggles and failures on my part started shooting at me like arrows in the dark. 

I remembered the uniquely strong-willed and independent children that God has put in our family. I remembered my inadequacies to manage the home well. I remembered how quickly and hopelessly the schedule gets out of hand and I quickly fail to know how to fix it.

You see, picking out all the books and curriculum is fun to me. Reading books on how incredible homeschooling is and how to disciple your children through it is thrilling. Sitting down and actually doing it is where I get scared.

Homeschooling can feel a little bit like you’re trying to walk on water while pulling a boat behind you. Sometimes it feels like the whole thing could quickly collapse and you’ll sink, bringing your whole family down with you.

I love the story of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:22-33. I think I have always been quick to judge Peter and point out that he doubted and faltered; but he actually walked on the water until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at his surroundings. As soon as Peter began to sink, he cried out to Jesus who quickly “reached out His hand and took hold of him.” Jesus and Peter walked back to the boat together and the winds didn’t die down until they reached the safety of the boat. 

Don’t you love that Jesus didn’t calm the storm until they reached the boat? I think Jesus was teaching Peter and us the valuable lesson that only by holding His hand and keeping our eyes on Him can we walk on the stormy waves of our lives, even the challenges of homeschooling.

If you are trying to keep yourself and your homeschool afloat and you’re a little worried that you’re not going to be able to stay above the waves, keep your eyes on Jesus. Reach out for His hand, and surrender the load to Him. And by the grace of God you might actually find yourself walking on water in faith that Jesus is the one keeping you afloat.

When I was praying over the new school year this fall, the Lord spoke this promise to my heart, from 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”

He will be faithful. He will be your help and your steady rock. You can cling to the promises in His Word. 

You only need to turn to Him and cry out for help.

Better yet, don’t take your eyes off of Him, even for a moment.