One Scared Mama
On my way to North Carolina, I came upon a mama turkey and her two little ones.
Let me zoom in so you can see them better.
Mama Turkey was keeping a watchful eye and ear for danger, . . .
. . . while her babies scrambled into the brush.
Mama Turkey didn’t know that I had no intention of hurting her or her babies. They all scrambled out of sight into the bushes.
Fear is a constant companion for many mamas. I think this is especially true for many homeschooling mamas. I still remember the phone call I got more than fifteen years ago from a mama who expressed her concern about her child getting into college. Her child was 10 or 11 years old. Her fear was at the very least premature!
Some fears are justified. Some are even commanded.
Praise the Lord!
How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
Psalm 112:1
Faithful fear of God gives comfort.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness
toward those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:11
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
Other fears are completely unfounded, like those of Mama Turkey. I believe that one reason homeschooling mamas are afraid is because they feel so responsible. They can’t blame teachers if their children can’t spell or if they don’t get into the college they want. It’s easy to believe that the outcome of their children’s lives really depends on them. It doesn’t.
Homeschooling mamas are simply seed planters. On some days, try as you might, you can only plant a tiny seed into the heart, soul, or mind of your child. Don’t worry. Be a faithful planter. God is the one Who makes seeds grow. He’s good at that. Don’t give up. Keep planting.
When you are tempted to be fearful, remember Jesus’ promise:
Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled,
nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
Thank you for this post today! It is just what I needed to hear! We are definitely prone to believing the outcome of our children’s lives depend on us. I’ve been thinking about this recently as my oldest just graduated. Long story short, I felt guilty about some of the choices we made in high school. He felt disappointed about some of the choices we made in high school. But who knew? Hindsight is 20/20 as they say.
He is continuing at a community college to get first year requirements done at a cheaper price, but is disappointed that it has to be at a different CC because the one he was attending doesn’t offer what he needs. I found myself wanting to “fix it” (even though I can’t) and make him happy. Then I realized this is his issue, not mine. Lol. It’s ok for our kids to deal with hurts and disappointments. He’ll be fine and God will work on him through this. But, yes, don’t we as moms always want to fix it (or kiss it) and make it all better? It is hard to let go, but you’re right, God grows the seeds. And he’s still growing me too. 🙂