Monday: The Beautiful Days That Give You Hope
Monday was one of those beautiful days where everything clicked. The kids were calm, the lessons flowed, and I found myself thinking — why can’t every day be this good? It’s those moments that breathe hope into a homeschooling mom’s heart, where you catch a glimpse of what it’s all for — the connection, the peace, the joy of learning side by side.
Tuesday: The Storm After the Calm
Then came Tuesday.
The exact opposite of Monday.
We faced a full-on test of wills — those stubborn personality patterns that push every last button I have. There were tears (from both of us), and a lot of leaning into Shepherding a Child’s Heart — the kind of day that makes you question if you’re doing anything right.
Following biblical teaching, we disciplined, we prayed, we held the line… and yet, it didn’t seem to reach her heart in that moment. Sometimes, even when you do what’s “right,” it doesn’t feel right — and that’s a hard space to sit in as a mom.
But as we prayed through the anger, asking for God’s peace, forgiveness, and calm — for Him to take away the pride and insecurity from both of us — His presence finally filled the room. She cried herself to sleep, and when she woke, it was like a little piece of peace had settled into her spirit.
Grace in the Midweek
Later in the week, our youngest got to go to the ranch with her dad, which left me and my strong-willed girl together for some one-on-one time.
After her CrossFit class, I asked what she wanted to do — half expecting a sarcastic answer — but instead she said, “I just want to finish school and relax.”
I hadn’t planned on pushing schoolwork that day, but when grace shows up like that, you don’t argue with it.
We took a walk along the canal, just the two of us. I did most of the talking (as moms do), and she did most of the listening (I hope). Her heart tells me she’s hearing me — even if her stubbornness sometimes drowns it out.
The next day, she joined her grandparents at the ranch for weaning, and she even learned how to drive the backhoe! If that’s not real-world education, I don’t know what is.
Letting Go of the Tracker
I’m still learning to let go of what “school” should look like — the daily checklists, the neat little boxes, the fear of “falling behind.” Truth is, our life doesn’t fit in a box.
The experiences she’s gaining at the ranch with her dad, the conversations we’re having about character and faith, and the way she’s learning to work hard, love deeply, and walk with God — that’s the kind of education that lasts.
School isn’t hard. It’s the mindset that’s hard — learning to release the traditional and embrace the eternal.
We’re building a life where learning happens through living, and that’s something no curriculum tracker can measure.
A Quote Worth Living By
My daughter is named after my best friend who passed away fighting the good fight — and she left us with this quote I’ll never forget:
“If you can do it today, do it today.” — JLK #16
That line has become my gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and see the beauty in today.
Even when the fire flares, the tears fall, or the lessons go off the rails — there’s grace in every moment.
Because the truth is… these little hearts are learning, and so am I.