I don't know if you've read between the lines in my posts recently, but Dave and I are in a real struggle. We've been wrestling with the decision about when is the right time--if ever--to stop homeschooling Rebecca (our oldest), and integrate her into public school. I use the term "wrestling" because that is exactly how it's felt inside my heart and brain. My heart has been heavy, feeling the weight of this decision and it's long-term implications.
I wish I was using this post to announce the GOOD NEWS! We've made a decision!! But, sadly, I am not. We're still trying to figure it all out. There are so many pros and cons for both scenarios--homeschooling vs. public school. We have very specific goals and reasons in choosing both options for Rebecca. Now, it's just a matter of prioritizing, and figuring out which goal is most important for her long-term growth.
At the very core of all of this parental questioning and prioritizing, Dave and I both have been praying for God's leading. The most difficult part of this whole decision-making process is that we haven't heard a clear answer yet. And one of us is getting slightly impatient. (Bet you can't guess who!)
Dang, parenting is hard, isn't it?
Just recently I read a wonderful article about parenting with a long-term goal in mind. Joey Staples has been working with teenagers his whole adult life. So, when he talks about raising teens, I listen. He recently compared raising children to the debarkation of a cruise he and his wife recently took. The comparison just makes sense to me. I encourage you to read what he has to say.
The one negative about Joey's article, is that at the end...he doesn't say whether homeschooling or public school is the answer for Rebecca. Shoot. I was really looking for a sign.
I'd love to focus on SOMEONE ELSE'S problems for a moment!! What have been some of your difficult life decisions?