Homeschooling and Righteousness

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Christian. Homeschooler. Two words I once believed synonymous with righteousness. Now, I find myself in this exact same position, and I find that label to be daunting.

One would think that homeschooling offers us a safe haven to be right with God. I mean . . . how many temptations could you come across, really? I’m at home, teaching my children, cleaning, cooking, and running errands. No co-workers, all the hours in the day to get my jobs done and immerse myself in God’s word. It seems being at home would give a woman in this day and age the perfect opportunity to be Godly. Wrong. (At least for me.) I struggle daily.

We ladies of the home have A LOT of temptation nowadays. Huh? TV, Internet, smart phones, magazines, home phones, Target, Hobby Lobby. I know some days I let the house fall down around me and allow the children to run wild just because I want to finish watching ‘my show’ (insert your favorite show here). I convince myself . . . “I’ve earned it!” “I need a break!” “I cleaned ALL day yesterday!” and “I’m the teacher, the cook, the housekeeper! Darn right I’m going to lock the kids in their room, let them watch Scooby Doo and finish this last episode of Dance Moms!!!!!”

However, I often find that 30 minutes turns into two hours and before I know it I’m yelling at the boys to be quiet and stay put. The dishes have piled up, and I’m quickly realizing that I’m not right with God, my husband, or my children.  Then, just as I’m walking to read the kids a story, I pick up my phone and check Facebook!!!!  YEESH! Get a hold of yourself, woman!!!! FOCUS!  It’s so hard to avoid these temptations, eh?!  To be a selfless, Godly wife, mother, and homeschooler is an uphill climb.

One issue for me is being social and gossip.  Phone calls, Face Book, Twitter, emails, even blogging.  If you have the internet, a phone, or even a neighbor, you are almost always faced with hearing gossip or spreading it ourselves. Although it may not be malicious, many times I find myself comparing and focusing on my conversations and not God and my family.  Solution? I’m posting some relevant Bible verses that have touched my heart near ‘hot spots’ (phone charger, laptop, my desk, bathroom mirror), so I’ll see them often and be slapped in the face with the mere mortal I am and how much guidance I need every second of the day despite the label of Christian Homeschooler.  (And that my children need the Godly mother the Lord is trying to shape me to be.)

The other biggie I’m dealing with is sloth or laziness or watching too much Desperate Housewives of Atlanta (however you want to put it) . . .

The Bible warns of idle hands and idle brains – this concept is true for the teacher and the student in our house.  They lead to gossiping, laziness, and allow for distractions.  In other words, nothin’ gets done and before you know it you’re husband is out of underwear, there ain’t no milk in the house, and you’re three weeks behind on curriculum!

These are just a few things I’m working on as a young homeschooling housewife.  Just when I think I’m improving, a conversation, situation, or temptation will come up and I’m back at square one.

Here are just a few of the verses I’ve posted around the house:

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Matthew 15:11 It is not what people put into their mouths that make them unclean.   It is what comes out of their mouth that makes them unclean. (Boy Howdy, this one really makes me think . . . ALL that time we spend cleaning our homes . . . I don’t spend nearly enough time cleaning my soul . . .)

Romans 12:11 Do not be lazy, but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart.

How are you working on being a righteous homeschooler, mother, and wife? What helps you stay disciplined and focused?