FEAR

I read a quote today that said fear really stands for False Evidence Appearing Real.  What truth there is in that.  Lately I have become my own worst enemy when it comes to homeschooling the girls.  I question whether they are really learning enough; if they are behind; if they have enough socialization; if I am doing a disservice to them by keeping them home; are they missing something by not being in school; am I damaging them because they don't spend 6 hours a day doing schoolwork; can they make it in college; can they make it in the real world; do they have enough friends; are they HAPPY?
And then suddenly God knows that I am overwhelmed with doubt and just in time he sends a message to me.  I am able to step back and see what I am teaching them and what they are getting from me. 
I am teaching them to enjoy the small, everyday things.  They are learning that being curious is more important than being smart.  They are learning to dream and they are learning that nothing can keep them from those dreams.  They are learning to love themselves and the people around them.  They are learning that sometimes you learn more by playing than you do by studying.  They are learning to play.  They are learning how to adapt to the world around them.  I am teaching them to enjoy the world.  I am teaching them that they are never too old to stop learning. I am teaching them to accept themselves and others for who they are.  I am teaching them to appreciate our differences.  I am teaching them that knowledge is not found in a textbook.  I am teaching them that real success isn't found in what grades they get but in how they have changed someone's life.  I am teaching them that God is always the answer.
I am giving them security, self worth, love, imagination, freedom to be who they want to be, dreams, confidence, character, inner beauty, and faith.  I am preparing them for this world the best that I know how. 
What do I want them to learn?  I want them to learn to stop and smell the roses; that it's o.k to daydream; and that life is about so much more than what kind of grades they receive, how much money they make, or how popular they are.  I want them to learn that they have to make their own happiness.  I want them to know that their life will be what they choose to make it. 
So, do I think that a school could do better than me?  NO.  I don't think they can because a school can only fill their heads with facts.  I am filling their hearts with knowledge and God is filling them with wisdom.