Monday, September 20, 2010

Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word


I used to have one of those plastic little organs as a kid. It had about 40 keys and 6 buttons on the side to play cords. In fact the g chord had to be taped because it was stuck on. I mastered about 3 songs on that little organ.
I must have sang these words a thousand times:


Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
Chorus
Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play;
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day

This little diddy came back to me Saturday. Twice. A homeschooling dad thanked me for encouraging his wife. Sure, no problem. Then I picked up my mail. A card from a homeschooling mom in my town. I have seen her in person about 3 times. She let me know how much I have encouraged her in her homeschooling. 

I did??? COOL. 

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Back to my words. I am frequently being told by Random, my cool son, that I am a Debbie Downer. Sorry if your name is Debbie. You know, when he is really excited about something and I am the realist. 

That's a great idea son but...who is funding this plan? 

I am glad that total stranger did something nice for you but...watch out, he could be a weirdo. 

That was kind of your friend to buy you a Coke....but unless you pay your own dentist bill, you are never to drink that again.

I usually try not to encourage someone to begin homeschooling. As a Debbie Downer, I have found myself saying to the mom considering it:

"Say goodbye to a clean house."
"NO more lunches with the ladies."
"All day shopping trips...barely."

I like to wait until they are drawn into it by their own convictions and a kick in the pants gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Then I change my tune. I cannot imagine taking on this task without divine calling. It's so much easier to survive the tough days knowing that God has called you into this task. On the great days, I praise God for the opportunity and blessing of it. 

So what is my point? I just want to encourage you today to encourage someone. Pick up the phone, call a new homeschooling Mom. Email them a link to a website that you love.  Invite them to lunch, they don't care about how messy your house is. They will love peanut butter and jelly. Take time to show them your books. Pray with them. Plan an outing. Give a needy family some books. Show them your letter of intent. Go to a support group meeting, even if you don't need support.  

Encourage a new homeschooling parent. You may not even realize you are doing it. 





I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I know I love to get encouragement now and then. Great post here...made me realize that I need to give encouragement as much, if not more, than I receive it. Thanks for the reminder!