He Took Me to Breakfast - What He Said Changed Our Future

Continuing my story from Letting Go of My Plans, I found myself facing yet another unexpected shift. I had already laid down one dream in obedience to the Lord - but apparently, He wasn’t done rearranging the pieces. What started as a quiet breakfast conversation turned into the next step of surrender in our family’s story.

Photo by Maria Orlova

A Breakfast I’ll Never Forget

Not long after stepping away from my teaching career, my husband took me out to breakfast. Our oldest was in seventh grade at the time, and we began talking about high school - how we wanted to be intentional, prayerful, and wise about the years ahead.

We agreed to ask questions - of families at the local Christian school, and also those in the public school system - and then he said it:

“We should also look into homeschool high school co-ops.”

If you knew me back then, you’d know how wildly out of character that suggestion was for me. I was so shocked, I thought, Oh, I see what you’re doing - you brought me to a public place so I wouldn’t lose it! I didn’t - at least not fully. But I did lean across that table, point my finger, and say firmly:

“I will not be a homeschool mom.”

I had already let go of one plan - I wasn’t ready to give up another. But the Lord was gently preparing my heart.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Photo by Susan Weber

The Holy Spirit Has a Way of Nudging

A few weeks later, I began to wonder…what if? I typed “homeschool high school co-ops near me” into Google and found a familiar name - I knew a former preschool parent whose children attended there. I clicked.

What I found was more than just a list of academic offerings - it was a window into a new way of living. The co-op had so much more than I imagined: challenging courses, social opportunities, and community. As I read, something cracked open inside me:

Okay… I could do this if this is the route we take for high school.

It wasn’t just information - it was invitation.

God Works in Details - and in Timing

Later, during a car ride with all the kids, I shared the idea with our seventh grader. I told him we were praying, seeking God’s direction, and considering all the options - including homeschool. I explained what home education could look like in high school.

To my surprise, my middle two kids lit up. “That sounds so cool! Can we do that next year?”

I laughed. Nope! Absolutely not! I reminded them that I had just left my job and needed to figure out what God wanted me to do.

As time passed…the Spirit whispered. The invitation remained. Our then third grader and fifth grader were still talking about home education.

As I explored the co-op more, I recognized the name of a former high school classmate whose family attended there. I reached out, and she graciously agreed to meet me for coffee. I’ll never forget how attentively she listened to my story. She shared a bit about her own journey and gently encouraged me to follow the Lord’s leading - whatever that looked like for our family. Her kindness gave me courage and was yet another quiet confirmation that God was at work, gently reshaping the path beneath our feet.

In April - months after registration had closed - I checked the co-op’s availability. A sixth grade spot was open, but not a fourth. My husband and I agreed: if we were going to do this, it would have to be for both kids, not just one.

We began praying. Could this really be what God wanted? Would He make a way?

We called the co-op director and shared our story.

“Actually,” she said, “a fourth grade opening recently became available.”

We looked at each other. My husband mouthed, “Are we doing this?”

I nodded. We had our answer.

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.” Psalm 138:8a

The Path I Once Misunderstood

This part makes me cringe a little - but I share it for the sake of transparency.

I used to make fun of people who were homeschooled. I saw it as strange and limiting. And here I was, preparing to become that very mom.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

In Fall of 2023, we began homeschooling our two middle children. Our oldest chose to finish 8th grade with his friends. Our youngest stayed at our Christian school for one more year.

And through this, God taught us something powerful:

“Per year, per kid.”

It wasn’t about one method, one label, one formula. Each child is uniquely made. Each year is a new opportunity to discern and obey.

Obedience Over Approval

Many people were surprised at our decision to home educate. Honestly, so were we. But what we learned - and continue to relearn - is this:

Our obedience to God matters more than anyone else’s expectations.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

We diverted from the path we thought we’d take and instead followed a steady call into something new.

Photo by Patrick Fore

A New Way of Life

These homeschool years have shaped us. They've slowed us. They’ve given us connection and dependence on the Lord in ways I never expected.

And as I reflect, I see God’s fingerprints all over it.

Even in my resistance.

Even in my fear.

Even in my former misunderstanding.

“Great is Your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:23

What happened after we said yes? I’ll be sharing that story soon - the ordinary moments, the stretching seasons, and the ways God met us in the middle of it all.

Want to start from the beginning of this journey?

Read Part One: Letting Go of My Plans