I wrote this post over 10 years ago when our family made one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make — to step away from homeschooling and enroll our kids in a local Christian school.
Now, reading this after again having to make tough transitional decisions to leave the private school and return to homeschooling a few years ago, I felt it was worth resharing this post for others. It has been 100% applicable regardless of which “direction” we were going or what decision we were trying to make.
These were never quick or easy choices. There were many prayers, tears, and moments of uncertainty. But through it all, God continued to confirm that this was the direction He wanted for our family.
Even with that peace, the transition came with lessons — some hard, some freeing, and all deeply meaningful. Here are a few things God has taught me through our journey in and out of homeschooling.
1. Even good things, when done outside of God’s will, aren’t good things.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.” I tell my kids that often — usually when ice cream is involved! But it’s not always so easy to apply it to ourselves. It’s important to remember that just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s God’s will for every family or every season. If He’s leading somewhere else, that’s where I want to be — even if it’s hard to let go of what I thought was best.
2. Every family is beautifully different.
Each family has its own rhythm, personality, and season — all designed perfectly by God. What’s right for one family (or one season) may not be right for another.
And that’s okay.
Just because one way worked for a while doesn’t mean it will work forever. Life changes. Kids grow. Seasons shift. The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that change is part of God’s design — and we’re called to embrace it and learn from it.
3. God calls us to put away worry.
Worrying about how we did as teachers, how our kids compare, or how they’ll adjust to change — none of it is productive.
Scripture reminds us not to worry about anything. (Yes, I’m still working on that one daily!) God’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light. He’s not asking us to carry the weight of every decision — only to trust Him with it.
4. Guilt trips don’t help anyone.
“I should have tried harder…”
“If only I had done it differently…”
“Maybe I could have made it work…”
If you’ve said any of these to yourself, you’re not alone. But those self-imposed guilt trips do nothing but drain you.
The truth? They’re not productive — or biblical. God doesn’t ask us to live in regret; He asks us to move forward in faith.
5. What others think doesn’t matter.
This one hit me hard.
I’ve always struggled with worrying about what others think — what I do, wear, say, write, or decide. But that’s not humility; it’s pride.
And pride is sin.
If we know we’re following God’s direction for our family, that’s all that matters. He gave you your children for a reason — knowing your family would look different from others. Don’t waste energy worrying about outside opinions. Remember #3: Don’t worry at all!
6. Following God’s direction doesn’t make you a failure.
This lesson was the hardest for me to accept.
As a “homeschooling mom,” I tied part of my identity to that role. So when we decided to enroll our kids in school, I couldn’t help but wonder — Did I fail? Did I not work hard enough? Did I choose the wrong curriculum?
But God reminded me: this wasn’t about failure. It was about faith.
Our family simply entered a new season. Change doesn’t mean failure — it means obedience. And yes, I fail every day (Romans 3:23), but this decision wasn’t one of those failures. It was a step of trust.
Walking Into a New Season
Maybe you’re facing your own season of change — whether in homeschooling, parenting, or something entirely different. I hope these lessons remind you that God is faithful through every transition.
As Bill Hybels says in his book Simplify,
“We must learn and move on. Moving on means I must be willing to say yes to the unknown ahead of me and trust God’s leading.”
That’s exactly where I am right now — learning to say yes to the unknown, the unfamiliar, and even the uncomfortable… trusting that God knows what’s best for me, my family, and our next chapter.
Your turn:
Have you ever experienced a season where God asked you to let go of something good so He could lead you to something new? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
Straight Outta My Mind 