As our little town’s school district switches over to virtual learning from in-person learning {again}, I am reminiscing on our decision to keep Michael (7) at home with me this year.

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I NEVER saw myself as a homeschool mom. Ever. I love my children, and I also very much enjoy my own time Not to mention, I’ve got a career as a Human Resource Manager, part-time Realtor and also do all the book-keeping and administrative work for my husband’s concrete business. I’m not exactly in the market for something to add to my plate.

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But God has a sense of humor, doesn’t he? Amidst a pandemic that sent us into what was at first (and sometimes still feels like) a whirlwind, we have created new traditions. Established new normals. Transformed what was once a busy normal into something that has slowed us down and forced us to re-focus on Him – on each other.

In a world that’s fighting to stay apart from each other, we have grown closer. As a family. As mother and son. As brothers. As husband and wife. I am SO SO SO loving having my son home with me! Working in our living room, with the fireplace roaring, worship music playing and as many outdoor breaks as he desires. Do we have our hard days? Uhm, YUP I am still working full time and he is still learning to adjust and un-learn how school asked him to, while discovering how to learn in his OWN way. In what interests and excites him.

There’s just something about him being able to play his guitar, rockin’ his own style in his messy room, while he completes his lessons. He just signed up for a new martial arts class that he’s been asking to take, and today, he finished up his core subjects – with six weeks left in the school year. He now has an entire month to create, play, and just be …. Michael. All of these things are key eye openers for me. Would he have these opportunities in a traditional school?

But Lord, to watch this all unfold before my very eyes… blessing doesn’t even seem like a righteous enough word.