As homeschool moms, we often feel the weight of being everything for everyone—teacher, nurturer, homemaker, and so much more. With so much responsibility, it can feel selfish to want something for ourselves. But what if those desires—those deep, recurring dreams tugging at your heart—are actually whispers from God? What if they’re part of your divine mission?
Today, let’s explore why your desires matter and how they can transform your life and your homeschool.
Desire as a Divine Gift
Elder Dallin H. Oaks once said, “Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming.” Desires aren’t random. They’re often the seeds God plants within us to guide us toward our unique missions. The truth is that our Heavenly Father has a mission and purpose for each of His children. But how do we recognize these desires for what they truly are—divine invitations to grow and contribute?
Start by reflecting on the longings that won’t go away. Is there a skill you’ve always wanted to develop? A passion you’ve always wanted to pursue? Those desires often align with God’s plan for you, even when they feel impractical or “selfish.”
Overcoming Shame Around Desire
Many homeschool moms feel guilty about pursuing their dreams. After all, isn’t our primary responsibility to our children? While it’s true that motherhood is a sacred calling, it’s important to remember that our children learn more from what we do than what we say. This is the principle of “You, Not Them” from Thomas Jefferson Education. To inspire your children, you must first be inspired.
When you suppress your desires, you miss an opportunity to model a mission-driven life. On the other hand, when you embrace your passions, you show your children what it looks like to live with purpose and joy. You teach them that life is about growth, contribution, and aligning with God’s will.
Desire as the Spark for Inspiration
Desires are often the starting point for inspiration. They lead to effort, which invites revelation. President Russell M. Nelson has said, “The Lord loves effort.” When we act on our desires, we grow closer to Him and become better equipped to bless others.
Consider how pursuing your own passions could enrich your homeschool. If you love literature, starting a family book club could ignite a love of reading in your children. If you’re passionate about art, dedicating time to painting might inspire creativity in your home. When you’re inspired, your energy spills over into everything you do, creating a ripple effect of enthusiasm and growth.
Practical Steps to Honor Your Desires
If the idea of pursuing your dreams feels overwhelming, start small. Here are a few simple ways to begin:
- Journal about your desires: What dreams or goals have you pushed aside because they seemed impractical? Write them down and reflect on how they might align with God’s plan for you.
- Dedicate 15 minutes a day: Spend a small amount of time each day exploring your desire. Whether it’s reading a book, learning a new skill, or working on a creative project, consistent effort adds up.
- Involve your family: Find ways to weave your passions into your homeschool. For example, if you love gardening, turn it into a science lesson for your kids.
God’s Whisper Through Your Dreams
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said, “God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream.”
Your desires are not selfish; they’re sacred. They’re how God directs you to grow, contribute, and become the person He knows you can be. When you honor those desires, you not only bless your own life but also inspire your children to live their missions.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a journey of growth—for your children and for you. Embracing your desires doesn’t take away from your family; it enriches them. By pursuing your passions, you model a life of purpose, joy, and alignment with God’s will. And when you live inspired, you naturally inspire your children.
So take a moment today to ask yourself: What is God whispering to me through my desires? Then take the first step toward honoring that divine spark.
