DIY Homeschooler

Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell encourages us to address and eliminate those things that would keep us from reaching our homeschooling goals.

Let’s face it, homeschooling is not always easy. Keeping up with the chores, making sure math is finished on time, handling interruptions to our schedules, training our children and addressing their needs — all can lead to irritation, frustration, and anger.

We face the fears without — the thoughts and opinions of others, school officials, or social services.

We face the fears within — our children turning out OK, providing an adequate education, and simply getting it all done.

We have also set lofty goals, the water-mark is high, and if we are worried, anxious, frustrated, irritated or angry, we know we are falling very short of what we want for our children and families.

If you don’t have the meek and quiet spirit you would like, I can assure you that you are not alone.

The journey to a meek and quiet spirit is a life-long one. I am still on it. I can look at where I was — angry and yelling — to where I am — occasionally frustrated with irritated tones in my voice — to where I want to be — the fruit of the Spirit always evident. I don’t want you to think I have totally arrived at a meek and quiet spirit. I haven’t! I also don’t want you to believe this book will change you overnight. It will not; only Jesus Christ works in the hearts! I do want to offer you hope that the path to a meek and quiet spirit is a worthy one to travel.

Teri Maxwell, Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit

The book starts off by stressing our reliance on the Lord; making time for quiet time with Him, being encouraged from the Word, and investing in undisturbed, personal prayer time. Having laid this foundation, we move forward to addressing fear and worry, taking every thought captive, getting sleep, accepting hormonal changes, and trusting in the sovereignty of our Lord.

We tackle disorganization by scheduling time each day to take care of troublesome items, and invest in the proper tools. (While these things are mentioned you’ll want to see Managers of Their Homes for scheduling help.)

Dealing with anger starts with:

• Praying to have it removed from our hearts and replaced with the fruit of His spirit.
• Keeping our expectations in the proper perspective.
• Being consistent in training and correcting our children
• Properly understanding our role.
• Being proactive.
• Understanding the negative consequences of anger.

We begin the hard work of dying to self, realizing that there are no free rides, and using the time we have wisely — investing in our family and valuing our husband’s time.

There is also a section on dealing with depression, which is amazingly common in women, particularly after giving birth.

There is no overnight solution to alleviating those things that would rob us of a meek and quiet spirit; but, we set the atmosphere in the home. Therefore it is important for us to be thankful for our families and find contentment in our current circumstances.

As Teri Maxwell points out, every day is a day to live out our faith. Every hardship presents an opportunity to move the focus off of ourselves. Every difficulty is an opportunity to walk in God’s ways knowing that He has a purpose for each trial. And that it is our time alone with the Lord and in prayer that undergirds a meek and quiet spirit.