I have been homeschooling for many years and let me tell you, I have been discouraged many, many times. I was completely discouraged just this weekend. I went to a homeschool concert displaying such talent as I could not have imagined possible at such ages; truly gifted children.

Surely these parents have poured more into their children's lives than I have. Surely they must know how to teach better than I do. Surely they must have it all together where I can't even remember where I put it all! Thus went my discouraging thoughts.

Fast forward to Monday night. There I was practicing singing for a women's retreat. I am not a singer, but there was a need and I responded. I stood beside two singers whose voices were heavenly. I sang melody, they sing different parts. We sounded beautiful together and I realized once again that I am nothing on my own. I needed these two beside me.

We need each other, especially in homeschooling. We may not all have the same talents--some of us are skilled musicians, some mathematicians, some cooks, and some tow truck drivers. All are needed in God's kingdom. Together, we all make a beautiful picture of what homeschooling looks like as God pours out His gifts on us and on our children.

And when discouragement hits, hit the Word of God! It gives a breath of fresh air, fresh perspective, and fresh courage to continue on.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me,
Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me:
for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God,
with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?
hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 
Psalms 42:1-5

Deborah Wuehler is the senior editor for The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine. She resides in Roseville, California, with her husband Richard. They are the parents of eight children: three teenagers, three elementary, a preschooler, and a baby. They have been homeschooling since the birth of their firstborn, who is now graduated from high school. Many of her articles can be found on www.Crosswalk.com, and many other homeschooling sites. She is a group leader in her local homeschooling support organization and she loves digging for buried treasure in the Word, reading, writing, homeschooling, and dark chocolate! Email her at senioreditor@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.