Dishing Up Devotions for Homeschooling FamiliesSample

Experiencing Childlike Faith

As parents, we’ve experienced the wonder of seeing the world through our children’s eyes. There is nothing more precious than watching our kids' delight as they explore and experience new things. Children are passionate, creative, curious, adventurous, and uninhibited. God desires for us all to live with childlike faith. 

God yearns for us to look at Him through the same eyes of love our children have for us. He desires our complete faith and trust. As we cultivate this type of relationship with our heavenly Father, we experience a radical transformation in our lives. We see the world through God’s boundless power instead of through the lens of our own shortcomings. We take greater risks, trusting our Father to catch and care for us when we stumble. 

Oftentimes in the daily grind of homeschooling, we get caught up in the hustle and hype of expectations. We put undue pressure on our children and ourselves. I recently spoke with a new homeschool mom. Her son started kindergarten and she felt stressed because she couldn’t get him to focus on a lesson for more than fifteen minutes. She owned an in-home daycare and her husband traveled for work. 

This mom shared how her son only wanted to play with his friends, build with blocks, run around outside, and color. I gently reminded her that each of those activities involves learning and developing important skills. I challenged her to take a breath and adjust her expectations. And most importantly, I encouraged her to enjoy the journey. 

We don’t have to run at the pace of public schools. I think we often forget there is a reason we chose not to put our children in a traditional educational program. They don’t make the rules for our homeschool—we do. 

Sometimes we just need to take a step back and enjoy the wonder of this beautiful world. Slow down. Take a walk. Explore creation. Laugh. Play. Create. Most importantly, allow yourself to make beautiful memories with your children while you have the opportunity to do so. 

Family Activity

Creation sings of the glory of God, so grab a notebook and pencil, and take a family nature walk around your neighborhood. Ask God to change your perspective and help you become childlike. Absorb the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Draw and write the things that stood out, and then share what you each experienced along the way.