I will never homeschool.

I should have known better than to ever make a big statement like that. It seems like whenever I do, it nearly always comes back at me. You'd think I would have learned my lesson.

It's not that I was against homeschooling, mind you. It's just that, well, how can I put this...?

I didn't think I was the homeschooling "type". Whatever that means.

But wouldn't you know it, the Lord kept putting it on my heart and in my path, until I finally gave in. Reluctantly. I guess I'll try this thing out for a while.

I mean, how hard can it be to homeschool a five-year-old?

In some ways, harder than I thought. But funner (is that considered a real word yet?) than I expected too.

From there we kept going. One year at a time. One child, then two. Then eight.

Alright, so we didn't really jump to eight - it only felt that way at times.

Now our five-year-old is a sophomore in college. Oh, except he's not five anymore, he's 19. He's thriving at school, works hard, and, above all, loves the Lord. And, yes, he was homeschooled.

So for those of you who are like me and wondering - or doubting - if you're the homeschooling type? Here's what I'd say it takes:

Time. But less than you might think. We "formally" school a few hours in the morning. On the good days. The rest of the time we enjoy working, learning and playing together. I'd say more happens in our "off" hours than our sit-down ones.

Relationship. This is what "sold" me on homeschooling. The chance to love and disciple our children all day long. Not always easy, but the investment has been invaluable. I'm grateful for all the relationship-building hours we have together.

Discipline. And, no, I'm not talking about the kids here. I'm talking about my own. Organizing our kids' education has been a terrific challenge in my life. Making myself do things even when I didn't feel like it has been good for me. (Yes, that was a confession).

Grace. So I've learned some discipline. And I've learned grace. My older children even complain a little about it. They say I was way more uptight with them than I am with the younger ones. Truly? That's a good sign. That means that grace is gaining ground around here. Like hearing that!

Prayer. Um...you wouldn't be put off if I told you that homeschooling has had a powerful impact on my prayer life, would you? I've had to pray about curriculum, classes, squabbles, and schedules. Prayed for wisdom, mercy, patience (!), and spiritual insight. I'd become a downright Prayer Warrior by the time our eldest was filling out college applications.

Growth. I love watching our kids grow. I love seeing the people they're becoming and the work God is doing in their lives. I love seeing them grow strong - not just on the outside, but on the inside too. I also love being able to grow and learn right alongside them.

So it would seem that I might be the homeschooling type after all. Our kids are learning. Their mom is learning - and about way more than just homeschooling.

Like, never say never, for instance.

Because I'll be homeschooling again this year.

Wondering about homeschooling? Doubting? Go ahead and ask your questions and I'll do my best to answer!

Or have a similar story to mine? I'd love to hear it!

In His grace,