This week, I’d like to encourage you to keep your expectations in line with reality. Sometimes I think that we set ourselves up for disappointment by allowing our expectations (for our children, spouses, friends, jobs, church, you name it) to far exceed reality.

Do you sometimes set the bar so high for others that it simply can’t be met. I know I do. Are you expecting your children to do something they’ve never been taught to, to be something that God didn’t wire them to be or to overcome a habit that they aren’t aware of (or haven’t been working to break)?

Yes, we need to have high standards and good attitudes, but also realistic expectations. We need to push forward, but not set unrealistic goals. Not many people win the lottery, but anyone can make small investments that grow big over time. The thing about expectations is that they often affect us more than they affect those we put them on. The answer is not “no expectations.” The answer is realistic expectations!

Meant to send this as a Monday morning word of encouragement and what do you know… it’s late Monday night! But here’s the thought that struck me and I hope it encourages you.

As homeschoolers, we need to remember that we’re in the business of changing the world, and while we may be fortunate enough to reap some of the benefits in the short run, the fruit of our labors will really be measured in generations, not just seasons. This week may seem like just another routine week, but no one can put a value on the investment you are making in your children’s future!