There is a day I remember like it was yesterday, even though it was almost 20 years ago.

I don't remember all of the details, but I do remember it was MOPS day, and we were running late.

I probably shoved snacks, water, and a pacifier into my diaper bag. I was likely repeating myself again and again, hustling my three young children to get their shoes on, to go potty, to get in the minivan, to go.

I remember I was frustrated.

Very frustrated.

Why was it so hard for these children to just do what I asked them to? Why couldn't we ever be on time to anything, anytime? All I wanted was a little time to talk to another ADULT, for crying out loud.

I must have said something awful to my children. I’m quite sure of that, because the drive to church was silent.

I remember I was eying the clock, fanning myself (how am I already sweating and it’s only 8:45 in the morning?). I remember I was trying not to speed. And I remember my oldest daughter's very small voice from the backseat, breaking the silence:

"Mom, you know how you say that children are gifts from God? Do you even … want those presents anymore?"

…

It’s okay if you just gasped.

I lived this 19 years ago, and still, as I type this, my heart rate is speeding up and my throat is tightening.

That day was when I realized the tremendous impact my own unhappiness was having on my kids.

At the time, I just wanted to be a good mom. And that was hard enough! But a happy mom?

That felt frivolous. And definitely impossible.

I think many of us struggle with the idea that happiness is important to our roles as mothers. But here’s what I know now that I have twice as many kids (and they are all much older):

The key to a successful homeschool is a peace-filled, happy mother.

Pursuing happiness in our homeschools isn’t frivolous. It is good, holy work.

Why? Because—

• We are commanded to gladness in the Bible (and honestly, this is usually enough of a reason)
• When we are peace-filled and happy, we send the message to our kids that they are delightful, precious images of God
• Relationships with our kids matter more than everything else

I don't mean fake happiness. I don't mean plastering on a saccharine smile and pretending you're enjoying motherhood when you're dying inside.

I mean true, real happiness. And then exuding that happiness in the presence of your children.

At the upcoming Circle with Sarah Retreat, I’m talking about exactly this.

We’re going to talk honestly about reclaiming joy without guilt—remembering that delight in our homes isn’t frivolous, it’s faithful.

Across four encouraging Zoom sessions, we’ll look at simple habits happy homeschoolers rely on based on the feedback from nearly 1,000 women who've been homeschooling more than a decade.

It’s an online Zoom retreat, happening February 6-7.

It’s not about fixing yourself, your kids, or your homeschool. It’s about finding more happiness in the homeschool you already have.

It’s just the encouragement you need to teach from rest, find happiness in your homeschool, and become the peace-filled, joyful mama you’re called to be.

The CWS Retreat is happening in RAR Premium, so we’ve already saved you a seat. Just mark your calendar and keep an eye on your Friday member emails. ❤️

Hope to see you there.

P.S.
Need some encouragement now? Listen to the latest Circle with Sarah podcast. ​