How do you currently prioritize rest in your homeschooling routine? If you are able to squeeze rest into your routine, what challenges do you face when it comes to finding a balance between work and rest? I know it is a significant challenge for my family. Between work, academics, extra-curricular activities, serving at church, and just being a parent; it is extremely challenging to find time to rest.
As homeschool parents, it is easy to want to do as much as we possibly can. Additionally, with the many opportunities Heritage Christian School offers, it is very tempting to try and be a part of everything! It’s only natural to fall into the trap of becoming so busy, we feel as if we have nothing left to give. As we approach the end of the school year, I think it is important to reflect on the significance of taking time to rest and recharge, both for ourselves and our families. By embracing rest, celebrating milestones, and recharging together, we can cultivate a nurturing path of homeschooling rooted in our faith and God’s wisdom. For our graduating HCS Seniors, this juncture signifies the culmination of their homeschooling years and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Let’s encourage them to embrace rest as a time of reflection, allowing them to discern their passions, talents, and God's calling for their lives so they can confidently step into the next phase of their lives.
We are often driven by a deep passion for our children's education and spiritual growth. However, by intentionally taking breaks and embracing rest, we acknowledge our need for balance and renewal. The truth is we cannot do it all. If we stretch ourselves as far as we possibly can for too long, we become a ticking time bomb of crippling exhaustion. My pastor once gave the analogy of two men chopping down trees. The first man stops after every five trees to sharpen his axe and the second man only stops after every fifty trees. Even though the second man starts off cutting down more trees than the first, over time the first man passes the second because he is chopping more efficiently. Eventually, the second man slows down because he has not taken the time to sharpen his axe. Making rest a priority helps our future selves, no matter what our future selves will be doing. Christian writer, Corrie ten Boom once said, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he’ll make us busy.” Sooner or later our constant schedules will catch up with us. Even when our plans are made with the best of intentions, the ends may not justify the means. We must turn to rest to cure our feelings of overwhelm.
What does rest look like for busy homeschool families? Finding the time for rest is only half the battle, finding how we recharge the best is the second half. Different people have different ideas of rest. Many parents of little ones may hear “rest” and think “sleep.” However, rest can take a variety of forms. Your kids and spouse most likely rest differently than you do. If longer naptimes or going to bed an hour early will give your family a significant amount of peace, take that solution. Additionally, rest can be found in many activities too. Some people rest through coloring and painting, some rest in reading a good book, others rest in hiking and running, or even playing music. Prayer can also be restful. Personally, I rest through exercise and quiet time when I can read and pray. Exercise allows me to de-stress, whereas quiet time allows me to focus without distractions. I encourage you to let God work through you as you rest. Perhaps you may know the quote from St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Rest in the Lord as you recharge. Our rest should be intentional and regular, not a last resort.
When we allow time for rest, we also allow God to replenish us, grant us wisdom, and guide our educational journey with grace. Consider the impact of rest on your own well-being and the well-being of your children. How does rest contribute to a more positive and fulfilling homeschooling experience? Imagine if you are a water pitcher and you are pouring out your water to your family and your obligations, but do not take the time to refill the pitcher, eventually you will become empty. WE CANNOT GIVE WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE OURSELVES! I know for me there is a direct correlation between my “cup of grace” and how much rest I have taken. Let’s just say my cup runneth empty quicker if I have not taken the necessary time to recharge. Just as our bodies need adequate rest to function optimally, our minds require periods of rejuvenation to foster creativity, critical thinking, and spiritual growth.
This school year is quickly coming to a close. As we finish this chapter and prepare for what’s next, I encourage you to prioritize the importance of rest and embrace the blessings it brings. We were made to take time to rest, not to be machines that never stop.
Jesus’ profound words in Matthew 11:28 ring true, for in them lies a key ingredient to a fulfilling homeschooling experience: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." As we entrust our homeschooling experience to Him, may He grant us the wisdom, strength, and inspiration needed to continue nurturing our children's hearts and minds through this remarkable voyage of education and faith.
by Marc Crawford, HCS Board of Directors Chairman