Lately I have been struggling with feelings of doubt and uncertainty. Am I doing enough with my children for homeschooling? Are they actually learning when I teach them new things? Will they ever grow in their character and have more discerning hearts? Am I doing enough with them? Will they ever really appreciate the sacrifices we have made to give them a great education?

I know most homeschool moms (and dads) wrestle with these questions at some point. As I think about my children, I want them to love learning and love being at home while doing so. We have mostly good days but sometimes we have very bad days. That is when these little doubts start whispering in my ear.

I prayed about my thoughts and the Lord led me to this passage: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

I decided to start writing down everything I am thankful for. I have quite a few little journals laying around my house so I grabbed one and made it my “Blessings Journal”. Everything I am thankful for gets written down in it. Every blessing gets written down as well. It has changed my attitude so much.

Instead of focusing on what my kids don’t know yet, I focus on what we are learning and what they already know. If they come to me and tell me about a specific butterfly they read about, I get excited. I ask questions and really tune in to what they are saying. Instead of thinking that we could have learned something I planned for the day, we spend time learning about a new butterfly.

My “Blessings Journal” is something I treasure. I put a lot of thought into each thing I write down. Sometimes I even surprise myself by writing down something awful that happened that day that turned into an amazing lesson about character and Jesus. Even in the midst of chaos and doubt, there are many blessings to be had.

Just recently, my oldest son (who is 9) started praying each night for the next day’s lessons. He asks God to help him learn with a good attitude. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. He really struggles with his attitude about doing school work. My attitude has changed as well. When we all work together to have more thankful hearts, it changes the whole atmosphere of the home. It has for us anyway.

God wants us to be thankful in all circumstances. Not just the good times but in the middle of trouble and fear and doubt as well. He has given us so much to be thankful for each day. If you wake up and can get out of bed, you are blessed. If you have food to eat and clothing to wear, you are blessed. If you are feeling the same way I was, try writing down your own blessings and thank God for them each day. Your heart and attitude will start to change and so will the atmosphere in your home.