Many moons ago as a new homeschooling mom, I frequently looked at the holidays as a time to catch up on all the missing work I had scheduled throughout the quarter and even get ahead. My thinking was that without all the distractions of sports, clubs, and coops, it would make life easier to complete large chunks of work.
What I wasn’t prepared for was burnout. Mine and the kids!
God himself established holidays and days of rest throughout the year. There’s wisdom in that! We should take this time to rest, relax and recharge. God also worked! But, for six days and rested on the seventh. While diligence is an asset, we should also have the same view of rest.
Strike the balance between teaching your children about the holidays and working them and yourself, like crazy to get ahead. Pick and choose throughout a given year what holidays to go in-depth learning and which ones to simply enjoy. Always remember that sometimes it’s more beneficial to just fun and enjoy the day.
Fortunately our source of wisdom says some pretty specific things about rest!
“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:2-3
“Six days you shall work, and on the seventh day you shall rest: your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your servant, and the stranger, may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
“And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” Mark 6:3
From Old to New Testament, God’s word is clear. There’s no need to conform to the world’s expectation to do everything during these times of rest! Enjoy the holidays as God intended. So, take a step back, breathe and relax!
Check out the many homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
