Dear Homeschooling Mama: The Lord Is Your Shepherd

Dear Homeschooling Mama,

Maybe it’s your first year stepping into the foreign land of homeschooling. Or maybe you have shelves piled high with living books and your go-to rhythm all ironed out. Newbie or veteran or somewhere in between, there’s a comforting truth I’ve learned along this journey.

Perhaps you already know it.

Or you need reminding of it like I do.

Or maybe you’ve never considered it within the the context of homeschooling.

It first became a treasure to me a few years into homeschooling when I was traveling a valley low and my homeschool plans got knocked upside down. My oldest was a first grader and I had just given birth to another miracle son. As I waded through the nightmare of postpartum depression and anxiety, my Good Shepherd became my steady guide.

Some of my favorite Names of Jesus up until that point had been King, Redeemer, and Friend.

But amidst the trial, another name captured my attention. And the poetic words of King David beautifully expressed in Psalm 23 became my lifeline.

The Lord is my Shepherd…

When fear threatened my mind, He was my Good Shepherd. When my joy felt stolen, He was my Good Shepherd. When lies screamed that I was an inadequate mother, He was my Good Shepherd. When I couldn’t be strong, He was my Good Shepherd. And once the darkness lifted, He remained my Good Shepherd.

As homeschooling moms, we will most likely experience some valleys low. There will be moments we don’t have a clue what we’re doing. There will be challenges that push us straight to our knees. There may even be seasons we lose our spark for homeschooling.

But there will also be sweet moments. Like laughter echoing through the walls of our homes. And a front row seat to witnessing little people blossom into the unique creations their Creator designed them to become. And a second chance at an education as we learn alongside our very own kids.

The Lord is your Shepherd.

And as you shepherd your children through both the highs and lows, your Good Shepherd leads the way.

Mama, He loves you. And He loves your children.

I can’t tell you how this school year will unfold for your family. But I can assure you the Good Shepherd is with you, fighting for you. He sees your desire to honor Him in your motherhood and He is faithful to provide for every single need.

What a comfort, treasure, and friend we have in Jesus.