Season by Season

It’s that time of year again. 

Actually, I’m not really sure when that time of year began this year. Because I am a retired homeschool mom! I thought my friend’s kids were already in school - until she informed me that she (and they) had two more weeks of summer. 

Who knew?

Most years, I’ve enjoyed lesson planning, book purchasing (that shouldn’t surprise you), setting up our school space, launching into a new year with fresh plans, fresh hope. 

But I don’t miss any of it at the moment. 

Because we are launching one son into the welcoming arms of a wonderful local Bible school. And the other son is switching schools and majors, pursuing what seems to be the right road for him at this juncture.

There’s enough freshness and adventure to go around! (Even though I have no idea when your kids start school.)

If you’re wondering why I’m not more sentimental over what’s coming and what I’m leaving behind:

The truth is, as of junior year in high school, both my sons were taking classes at co-op and local colleges. My role has been more administrative than instructive for a long time. It's been a gradual transition more than an abrupt one.

The truth is, this transitional season is already so very different, so much more demanding, than what I’d imagined. I am ready (can I say it? even relieved) to move into this new season, to lay down homeschooling and pick up whatever comes next. 

All summer long, wide-eyed friends have asked: “What will you do with yourself, now that you are done homeschooling?”  

Seriously.

My response is long, and makes me grin. Here's a snippet:

~Play my newly tuned piano and hopefully take lessons again

~Look for a job - preferably at the library or used book store in TR. Because I ❤books and I ❤TR!

~Continue volunteering at the library (only if I’m not working there, obviously)

~Complete ministry training at church so I’m ready to be a faithful friend to women in crisis 

~Focus on my husband more intently

~Write more regularly. Maybe try to publish?

~Be more available to friends. (I’ve met some of the best people I’ve ever known through Explorers, and those friendships will most definitely survive my retirement.)

~Continue involvement in monthly Book Club and Women’s Fellowship meetings

~Start all those projects I’ve wanted to get done at home. Like cleaning out the attic. Organizing my books. Washing windows. Deep cleaning rooms, one by one. These things have been on my horizon for more than 5 years, people! They’ve just never made it off the back burner until now.

~Encourage homeschool moms in any way I can

~Start weights training

~Breathe deeply and appreciate this season

Can I just say, right here, how thankful I am to God for seasons? No, I don’t like wet cold February days when hail assaults Ruby (my beautiful CRV). And I don’t like July’s sodden humidity, which can lay me flat the minute I step outside. 

But, like every created thing, seasons change. I have autumn to look forward to, then cozy fires in the wood stove as we hunker down in the months that follow. And I know spring will come.

Our family is moving into a fresh season, full of its own BIG plans and hopes, BIG joys and fears. But I know God better (and therefore love and trust Him more) than I did when we started homeschooling 16 years ago. 

He's the One who blazes this trail that lies ahead of us. And I am ready!