When We Are Given Much:

Hello friends, today we will be exploring the topic of stewardship in homeschooling and how we, as busy homeschool moms might become wiser and more intentional stewards of the gifts that God has given us.

In a recent blog post, Christmas School: A Reclamation of Peace and Joy and an Invitation to Rest, I encourage readers to approach this Christmas season differently. While the cultural narrative regarding Christmas is often one of hurriedness and stress, I encourage moms to lean into our Savior’s invitation to rest and to consider the sacred wisdom of the Advent which grounds us in the fundamental truths of peace, joy, love, and hope- the gifts Christ brings to the weary world.

As I was revisiting Luke, a particular verse stood out to me. I had already begun to write about stewardship in homeschooling, and I found this verse particularly convicting. In Luke 12:48 we read, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.”

While Jesus originally spoke these words in the context of spiritual accountability, the principle applies to all areas of life including stewardship in homeschooling.

After all mamas, we have been given so much: children to nurture and to educate, homes to tend to, marriages that require our attention, church commitments, work commitments, and let’s not forget- the care of our own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

Stewardship in Homeschooling: The Best Laid Plans:

In our desire to steward all things well, we may find ourselves feeling a variety of emotions, some not necessarily pleasant. I have been there. I look at the abundance in my life; my husband, our children, our home, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. But if I am honest, some days I am just overwhelmed.

While I love serving my family, the work in this season of life can feel never-ending. There is seemingly always something to be done. Much of my limited “free time” is spent prepping for the days ahead, ensuring that things flow as smoothly as possible and that everyone’s anticipated needs are met.

As you well know, even with the best laid plans, unforeseen circumstances can arise requiring us to adapt very quickly. I am not a huge fan of change nor am I a particularly flexible person by nature but motherhood has stretched me (no pun intended) in these areas more than I ever expected.

Stewardship in Homeschooling: Surrender

I have said it before and I will say it again, this work of mothering and homeschooling while challenging at times, can be sanctifying; so long as we have the correct posture of heart. Surrendering our plans to Him and trusting His plan for us is an act of faith and obedience that can feel really difficult. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us not to lean on our own understanding but rather to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:9) and we know that His plans are good (Jeremiah 29:11.)

But what does this look like practically? It starts with prayerful surrender. Upon waking, before we grab our phones or look at our list of to-dos we take a moment to surrender our plans to the Lord. We remind ourselves that the world and everything in it, belongs to Him and we trust that He is sovereign and in control.

It may sound something like this, “Lord, I pray that I might bring you glory today as I care for my family, educate them, drive them to and from activities, and manage all the task you have given me. I recognize that the world and everything in it belongs to you. I surrender my attempts at control and pray for a heart that rejoices in the day that you the Lord, have made. Amen.”

Stewardship in Homeschooling:Creating an Energy Budget

In addition to our prayerful surrender, another practical tip would be to create an “energy budget.” Just as we budget our finances by assessing our available resources against our expenses, we should also take inventory of our mental, physical, and emotional capacities in relation to our energy expenditures.

This practice helps us to steward our time and energy wisely. It moves us from auto pilot into a more intentional and prayerful space. In these moments of quiet reflection, we can find clarity about where God is calling us to focus our efforts and attention and where He might be calling us away from.

By seeking His guidance, we can ensure we are not taking on more than He is asking of us, we trust His plans are purposeful and achievable through His strength.

Stewardship in Homeschooling: Consider the Fruits

Homeschooling, homemaking, and serving in the various capacities we do are all good and important things. I am not proposing we throw in the (dish) towel completely; abandoning the tasks God has given us, rather I am suggesting we approach them with wisdom and intentionality.

If we are so overburdened by our responsibilities and schedules that we are unable to discern His still small voice and sit at His feet to receive the better portion, then this may be an indication that we need to reevaluate and recalibrate. We want to make room for Him, not just in the margins but at the center of our lives.

God does not call us to endless striving but rather to faithfulness, dependance, and abiding in Him. This is where the fruit is borne. Yes, to whom much is given much will be required, but the beauty of His design is that we are not meant to do it alone.

The Many Gifts He Brings

Hebrews 13:21 reminds us that He will “equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 58:11 promises, “And the Lord will guide you continually  and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.“

We ought not attempt to pour from empty cups but rather draw from the living well, the abundant well of Christ in whom we find our sustenance and our strength. Harkening back to the Advent; we are reminded that He is the source of our peace, joy, hope, and love. It is from this overflow that we are better equipped to serve our families and others.

Stewardship in Homeschooling: A Prayer for You

I pray this will be a blessing to you as you plan your new year. The call to homeschool is a gift – but so is the discernment to know your limits. May you find clarity as you move forward and embrace a posture of willing surrender, relinquishing that which is not yours to steward.

May the Lord guide you in all your endeavors, equipping you with His strength and His grace along the way and may we recognize that the boundary lines have indeed fallen in pleasant places rather than continually attempting to press beyond them in our own strength.

I would love to hear how you practice wise stewardship in homeschooling and beyond!