Mental Wrestling

There is something that has been on my mind lately. I've been thinking about homeschooling my kids. Now to some this might not be a big deal, but for me this is HUGE. And the reason why is because I have always been so very much against it. I have known enough teenagers that seemed "weird" and they were home schooled. AND we are in a school district we LOVE! AND I kinda love having some time to myself. AND the list goes on and on.

BUT...

I can't stop thinking about it. I can't stop thinking about what God's design for our family might be. I can't stop wondering if God would want me to leave the education of my children in the hands of almost strangers. I can't stop thinking that if I was so against it before, but now I am falling in love with the idea.....is God trying to tell me something? Is He trying to get my attention? Would I really have such a HUGE change of heart if it wasn't God's doing?

I'm not really sure about all these things. And that is why I am wrestling. I am talking to people who homeschool. I am talking to people whose kids I admire and who also go to public school. I am reading books, searching blogs, and PRAYING. This would be a huge undertaking. This would totally change our lives. But I can't help but think, at this point, that it would make it better.

I have been so intrigued by several of the statements I have read as I have researched homeschooling. Here are a few of the ones that have been the most striking to me:

"Worst-case scenario: Our children don't understand physics, calculus, of Shakespeare or speak French as we would like them to by the time they leave home. What has been lost? Nothing of eternal value-nothing that can't be picked up later. But what if we don't ardently pursue the cultivation of their relationship with the Lord, what has been sacrificed? An opportunity we as parents will never have again."

"At age eight, Gabe became fascinated with flight. I didn't say, "well, be patient there, buddy; in fifth grade your science text will cover the physics of flight." No, we capitalized on the opportunity to study something when he was motivated to learn about it."

"Now let me ask you this: Where did you learn to appropriate social behavior? School? Where did you learn to appreciate folks who dress differently, act differently, think differently? School? Where did you learn proper etiquette? The high school cafeteria? Get the point?"

(all of these quotes are from "The ultimate guide to homeschooling" by Debra Bell)

We haven't made our final decision yet, but right now we are leaning toward homeschooling next year. Please pray for us as we pray about this huge decision.