A New Chapter

It's hard to sit down and write when it's been almost a year since my last post.  It's humbling to know that I've been ignoring the desire to blog for a WHOLE YEAR.  It's amazing how procrastination, resistance, or whatever you want to call it, can keep me from something that I truly enjoy doing.

Where do I start?  I can't really relive the past, or go back and share about all of the things that I wanted to at the time.  All I can do is start where I'm at.

So, Where am I?

I'm in a new chapter of my life.  Some not so small changes have happened. The transition from homeschool to public school is one of them. All summer I wrestled with what I already knew the answer was regarding our boys schooling.  After 4+ years of homeschooling, I felt like God was gently nudging me to let go of homeschooling, along with the control I desperately sought to maintain, and the irrational fears that I had. Whether it's just for this year, or for longer, I don't know.  It's an interesting position to be in, though.  I still firmly support the right to homeschool and I still fully believe in the reasons that we homeschooled for 4 years.  I loved the time we had as a family to explore, the freedom to travel when we wanted to, the ability to dive into subjects that we found interesting. But it was time for a change of perspective.  Although we aren't even a month into public school yet, I've found that we still have time to explore, it just looks a little different.  We don't have as much freedom to travel, but I think that we have already become more intentional with the time that we do have.  And I don't think that our boys will ever not dive deeper into subjects that interest them.  It's just a part of who they are.

What are some good things that have come from taking this step?  I appreciate on a deeper level what I have now.  I'm more intentional about being fully present when I'm with my boys. I am more diligent in prayer for them. We still  have our friendships from our other circles and activities.  But we've added a whole new set of friends, acquaintances, and connections to our life.  I feel more engaged in my neighborhood and community.

It doesn't mean that it will be all rosy and perfect.  Because it won't, and already isn't.  But I have peace about being in a position that I didn't expect myself to be in. And I'm so thankful for the One that my peace comes from!

Here are my guys on their first day of public school.