Three weeks until we begin Kindergarten! I say “we” because I will be teaching Linnea at home. If you had told me a year ago that I would be a homeschool teacher, my eyes would have popped out of my head. I honestly never entertained the idea until Linnea was diagnosed with asthma last fall.

Last September Linnea had a scary asthma attack that began at preschool and led to an ambulance ride and a full day in the hospital trying to get her breathing and oxygen levels under control. That day was a turning point and put many things in perspective for me.

I’ve spent much of my spare time the last 11 months reading books and articles about homeschooling, listening to other parents and experts talk about homeschooling, asking questions about homeschooling, and really trying to follow God’s leading on this. The deeper I dig, the more confident I am that homeschooling Linnea is the best educational choice for this year. I am excited to begin.

All that said, I have those moments of doubt. I have those moments when a friendly store clerk asks Linnea where she’s going to school… And then the strange face the clerk immediately makes when Linnea tells her that she is going to learn at home. Maybe it is a bit radical, a bit weird not to choose the easier option. But for Linnea’s sake, I’m willing to be the odd ball.

In her book Discerning the Voice of God, author Priscilla Shirer says, “When you face two options and each seems to please God, consider the one that displays God’s glory, power and strength. This makes room for God to reveal Himself to you and show Himself through you. God wants us to see the wondrous things He will accomplish in us. Don’t be fearful about the hard road He may ask you to take. Be encouraged and excited about seeing His divine, supernatural activity in and through you… God’s voice commands the option that will display His power. He desires to show Himself strong in you and will encourage you to do things that require trust and faith.”

I have our curriculum and supplies all prepared, and I am committed to involve Laurel in this as much as she shows interest. All three of us are eager to start this challenging road, but I know my personality and my weaknesses, and I am first to admit that I can’t homeschool Linnea on my own strength. That’s why I am tapping into divine resources. Homeschooling requires trust and faith, and my hope is in the power of God working through me for His glory. Second Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid; He gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. I’m going to need all of those daily!

Now I’m off to enjoy this beautiful day because summer is fading fast!