Daily Focus - Fueling the Flame

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12).

Sadly, a homeschooler's passion to teach his child sometimes begins to fade. The daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required in homeschooling drains even the most dedicated parent. When the homeschooling fire begins to die out, many may choose a half-hearted approach or adapt a martyr, make-it-through-the-day mentality. Others may stop homeschooling altogether and send their child back into a traditional school setting. The wise homeschooling parent, however, will see the coals growing dim and find the fuel necessary to rekindle the flame of passion first given by God. But how does one go about finding that fuel?

To reignite the vision of his child's education, the best thing a worn-out homeschooling parent can do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and control him anew. As a parent deals with his own personal walk before the Lord, the time spent in self-examination and repentance will show areas in his character that need strengthening. Prideful attitudes are adjusted, and total dependence on God's guidance is reestablished, allowing Him the right to reign over the entire homeschooling process. Most of all, the Holy Spirit is able to clearly reveal Satan's discouragement and remind us what was happening when the passion was last burning brightly.

Have trials and discouragement stolen your first love of homeschooling? The fiery conviction you once felt for your child's education will die if you don't find the right fuel source to keep it on fire. Stay faithful to the call God has given and let the Holy Spirit lead and strengthen you today. As you read your Bible, memorize God's Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom, you'll be amazed as God provides everything you need to keep the home fires burning! "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (1 Timothy 4:15-16a).

Lord, please rekindle the love of homeschooling in my heart. Remind me of the many blessings we have already experienced as a family and strengthen me to remain faithful as we face the upcoming school year. May You be praised in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.