by Angela Lasch
Nov. 17, 2025
In a world that questions our choices, we pause to remember: the freedom to homeschool our children is a profound privilege. And it all points back to the Lord's faithfulness. Do you remember your first day of homeschooling? Did you truly appreciate the freedom you had in making that choice at that moment? Thankful for Freedom Thank the Lord for the freedom to direct your children's education according to your values and faith. This freedom isn't something every family has. It's a gift worth recognizing. Luke 6:40 says, "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." Be thankful that you are your child's teacher, not just in their education, but in their entire life. You are teaching and modeling, not just reading and writing, but also character and faith. You have the opportunity to live out Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Take every opportunity to remind your children of the freedom you have to homeschool, which comes from the Lord. Be thankful for the freedom. Thankful for Family Your children. Your family. The daily rhythms you share. The conversations, the learning, and the life lived together – these are the true treasures of homeschooling. Thank God for them. Raising a family is a privilege. Don't take it for granted. "The days are long, but the years are short" is such a truth! Make every moment count. I recently spent time with my granddaughter, and we spent the evening outside. Every couple of moments, she would notice the moon and say, "Nana, look at the moon!" Then, she would wave and say, "Hi, moon!" It's the little things that make family time so precious. Enjoy every minute. Be thankful for your family. Thankful for God's Provision The provision you've needed has come. The strength when you were weary. The breakthrough when you were stuck. The Lord's hand has been faithful through it all. We all go through trying times, whether it's due to financial struggles, illness, or emotional instability. We have all been there. During these times, make a list of all you have to be thankful for, and write down all the times the Lord has provided! Write it in a journal and date it so that when the trying times come again, you can look back at God's faithfulness and remember His provision over and over. There is a saying, "Where God guides, He provides." Believe it! Hold onto this! Be thankful for God's provision. Thankful for Community The homeschool community is strong in our state and gives us much to be thankful for. Have you found your community? When we have homeschool friends, it reminds us that we are not alone in this journey; we all face similar challenges. Ecclesiastes 4:9: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." There is strength that comes from walking alongside one another. Have you had a mentor in your life who has helped you persevere during challenging times? Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Community is part of God's design and purpose. We need one another. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Be thankful for your homeschool community. As you move forward, carry this thankfulness with you. You're living out a calling. And the God who gave you this privilege is faithful to sustain it. Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This Thanksgiving, pause for a moment and give thanks for your freedom to homeschool, for your family, for the Lord's provision, and for the homeschool community. Remember, this Thanksgiving, you are blessed beyond measure. _________________________________ Angela Lasch is the Executive Director of CHEA. She and her husband homeschooled their three sons. She is now "Nana" to two granddaughters. Grateful for her own homeschool journey, she now dedicates herself to encouraging and supporting homeschool families throughout California.
