Homeschooling Sabbath

I read another homeschooler's blog that gave me inspiration and courage to do something we probably should have been doing for 5 or 6 years by this point.  We are taking our first ever Sabbath week from homeschooling.  Sure, we take time off now and then:  a week off when Grandma comes, time off for our Christmas travels, a week off for a great summer camp, some time off to move every last item from one home and town to another. 

What we have never had is an actual Sabbath, and actual time of rest, when no one is visiting, when we are at home, and when nothing big is expected of anyone.  6 years of homeschooling year-round without a real rest can wear on you after a while, and even I have been feeling a bit burnt out recently.  On the other blog I read that she found the Biblical rhythm of 6 (weeks) for work and 1 (week) of rest really gave her the energy, focus, and enthusiasm to keep going week after week, year after year.  I cannot tell you how heavenly that sounded to me, especially because it still leaves 10 weeks over the course of the year to take off for all those family visits and outings. 

So, here we are, enjoying the first hours of our first week of Sabbath rest from homeschooling.  I am already feeling better.  Yes, my children's brains are wasting away as I type.  Brishen is crafting a medieval Viking village, and Basia is working on her third craft of the morning. 

My plans for the week?  I'm glad you asked.  I may make some bread, muffins, and otherwise stock up my freezer a bit.  I may get some laundry done.  I may do some homeschool planning.  I may finally find a moment to spend a gift card my husband gave me a few months ago.  I may read.  I may watch too much TV.  I may take a nap now and then.  I may play extra games with my kids.  I may read a fun novel to everyone.  Who knows?  I'm free, and I may or may not do anything.