For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (The Voice)

Last May, I needed a break from the rat-race of early mornings and homework. Summer couldn’t come soon enough for all of us.

It was a season of rest and reprieve. Of unscheduled days, later bedtimes and sleeping-in later than 6:30 a.m.

But now . . . It’s August. And I need the season of a new school year to begin.

I always feel like I should add a disclaimer when I talk about my eagerness for August 13. “I love my children so much and we’ve had such good times together this summer, but we really need to get back on our regular schedule,” I explain.

I’m not sure why I feel a little bit of judgment whenever I admit I’m actually looking forward to my children starting school so I can finally have a moment to myself for crying out loud.

We have had a wonderful summer. We have made lasting memories during many adventures. We have had time to rest.

And now it’s time to go back to school because summer reminds me that I’m not meant to homeschool.

Homeschooling is great for people who are passionate about homeschooling. I get their position on it, really. Making your own schedule and having control of what your kids are learning is a very attractive argument.

I hear it often, too: “What? You taught elementary school? For ten years? Why don’t you homeschool?”

Here’s the thing: I don’t homeschool because while I loved teaching other children who weren’t mine, I’ve realized I’m not as patient with my own.

I’m also not as nice but I don’t feel like I should admit that here.

Khalil Gilbran said in The Prophet, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness.” Sometimes, I need some spaces in our togetherness.

The truth of the matter is . . . I do love my children. Like crazy. I am absolutely a Mama Bear and I would lay down my life for all three of them.

My children are a big part of my world, but they aren’t my entire world.

And in no way am I insinuating homeschool moms make their children their entire world or have no life. I just think they’re probably better at setting boundaries and being organized than I am. They’re called to homeschool, I am not.

So the end-of-summer season is upon us and the excitement is bubbling. We have a fourth grader, a first grader, and a Kindergartener – who, out of the blue, admitted he was nervous today.

Our supplies have been purchased, eagerly anticipating their removal from cardboard packages and maiden voyage of use. School shoes have been bought. Haircuts have been had.

So now we wait for August 13.

There is a season for everything under heaven, sisters, and I don’t think we should feel that slight twinge of guilt we sometimes feel if we’re eagerly anticipating this new season to just come-on already.

We’re all gifted by God to do different works – works He prepared for you to do in advance for only you to do.

Some are called to homeschool, some are not. Some are called to be overseas missionaries, some are not. Some are called to work outside of the home, some are not.

There should be camaraderie, not comparison, among those who are called to do different things.

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Today, let me encourage you to sit in the now of whatever you’ve been called to do. Without guilt.

While I’m not called to homeschool, I’m going to cheer on the women who are. And the women who are called to be overseas missionaries. And the women called to work outside of the home – because our callings can’t be compared.

Comparisons knock the wind out of full lungs until you’re left gasping for air you can’t find.

We’re on the home stretch, sisters. Soon. Soon there will be spaces in our togetherness.

A new season is upon us.

Answer the call that has its own ring just for you.