"…So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18; The New Living Translation

Are you having trouble keeping up with all that you’re supposed to do? As homeschoolers we deal with co-ops, enrichment days, and a seemingly endless list of various activities, in addition to the regular tasks of daily living. A Barna study showed that homeschool parents were more likely to say they were “stressed out,” [and] “too busy.”

Would I make any changes to my schedules, homeschooling and life if I were to consider them the point of view of eternity? It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while as my family has weathered some difficult times, as we cope with a turbulent economy, and as some families I know face tragic circumstances.

When I need guidance, I usually go to the Rock, and in Jesus I find the perfect example of someone who lived on earth with eternity in mind.

Jesus knew His calling and purpose: Jesus made it clear that He was about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49; Jn 6:38). This gave Him purpose in life.

We homeschool because of God’s calling on our lives. But what is our goal in homeschooling? More than that, what is God’s purpose for our homeschooling? Several years ago, we felt God calling us to homeschool, but in my naiveté, my goal was to give my child a good education. Over the years I’ve realized that God’s purpose was much more than that! It included nurturing her, discipling her, preparing her to face life in His strength and power, helping her develop a Kingdom perspective on life, and being more concerned about her heart—the eternal.

Jesus had balance: He knew His calling and didn’t stray from it.
Likewise for us, living with eternity in mind puts things in proper perspective, and helps us stay on the path of His purpose. What we might normally strive for from an earthly perspective soon pales into insignificance in light of the eternal. Knowing God’s purpose for our homeschool, and prayerfully asking Him to align my heart with His priorities keeps me focused on what He would have us get involved in. It keeps me from falling into the trap of overcommitting and being distracted by activities that may not be what His best for my family.
Jesus made time for people and relationships: Wherever Jesus went, He was mobbed by people—some curious, some faithfully following, others making demands on Him and His time. But He was never too busy for those who came to Him.

People were important to Jesus—a gentle touch, a word of healing--Jesus excelled in that. He knew that developing and maintaining meaningful relationships took time and effort. So also, I’m learning that nothing should be more important in my homeschooling than to develop a deep relationship with my daughter--the kind that is open, and allows her to know that she can always come to me with anything—whether a problem or not, no matter how big or small.

Living with a heavenly perspective brings freedom. I am less stressed about my “to-do list;” I’m not a slave to my schedule; I’m not so overwhelmed. I'm available for my children whenever they need me.

Living with eternity in mind means answering to a higher calling; dying to self; living as a stranger on the earth; and keeping my eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfector of my faith.” It’s hard, but it is changing the way I live and homeschool.

This article first appeared as “Homeschooling with Eternity in Mind” in the June/July 2009 issue of Homeschool Enrichment. It has been slightly changed and is used with permission.