Embracing Your Purpose: Insights from A Working Homeschool Mom
I recently sat down for an insightful conversation with Katie Hornor, a working homeschool mom with a unique journey and inspiring perspective on finding God's purpose in work. Hornor shares her experiences as a mom, wife, missionary, entrepreneur, and creator of a Spanish homeschool curriculum. Through her stories, she encourages mothers to trust in God's timing, embrace their gifts, and find joy in the work they've been called to do.
Embracing God's Unique Timing and Purpose:
"God had a specific purpose for our family in Mexico, but it wasn't exactly what we had expected. He used our gifts and talents in ways we couldn't have anticipated."
Katie Hornor
One of the recurring themes in Hornor's journey is the recognition of God's unique timing and purpose. Hornor recounts how her family's move to Mexico aligned with her own long-held desire to be a missionary overseas. She emphasizes, "God had a specific purpose for our family in Mexico, but it wasn't exactly what we had expected. He used our gifts and talents in ways we couldn't have anticipated." This reminder of God's sovereignty serves as a powerful encouragement to trust in His plans, even when they differ from our own expectations.
Watch or listen to part 1 here.
Discovering God-Given Gifts and Meeting Needs:
From her own experiences, Hornor believes that everyone has been given gifts and talents for a purpose. She encourages parents, especially moms seeking to work outside of motherhood, to take time to understand what they have been uniquely created for. Hornor explains, "Finding your calling is a combination of what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what people ask of you." Drawing from her own journey, she shares how she discovered a need for Spanish homeschool curriculum and, with the blessing of an American company, developed her own literature-based curriculum for the Spanish-speaking community.
Finding Joy in Work:
"God created work even before sin entered the world. It is an expression of worship and an opportunity to glorify God."
Hornor firmly believes that work, when aligned with one's purpose and gifts, can be a source of joy and worship. She challenges the prevailing notion that work is something negative, emphasizing, "God created work even before sin entered the world. It is an expression of worship and an opportunity to glorify God." Reflecting on her personal experience, she further explains, "Our work doesn't have to be something big to matter. Even the small, behind-the-scenes work, such as serving our own families, is significant in God's eyes." This perspective shift encourages listeners to appreciate the work they do daily, whether big or small.
Watch or listen to part 2 here.
Flexible Homeschooling:
Working homeschool moms face unique challenges. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, homemaking, loving your husband, and teaching your children can seem like an impossible balancing act. To this point, Katie reminds us that homeschooling does not have to consume excessive amounts of time to be effective. In fact, many times simple and short is the best path to success! She recommends Durenda Wilson's book, "The Four Hour School Day," challenges the notion that homeschooling requires a rigid schedule and countless hours. The book encourages moms to prioritize relationships, simplicity, and efficiency in their homeschooling journey. By embracing a flexible approach, you can create a balance that allows for both work and education.
Involving Family and Supportive Spouses:
Hornor underscores the importance of involving one's spouse and seeking their support, especially in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. She advises, "If your husband is not supportive, it's essential to prioritize your marriage and honor your husband's leadership." She shares her personal experience of involving her husband in decision-making processes and highlights the positive impact it has had on their journey. To provide support for single moms or those without supportive spouses, Hornor suggests seeking guidance and accountability from godly friends. family members, or church members.
Watch or listen to part 3 here.
"When we align ourselves with God's purpose and use the gifts He has given us, we can experience true joy and fulfillment in our work."
Katie journey as a working homeschool mom reveals valuable insights into embracing God's unique purpose, finding joy in work, and involving loved ones in our pursuits. We should be encouraged to trust in God's timing, explore our gifts, and embrace the work we have been called to do. Whether it's serving our families, starting a business, or pursuing a career, Hornor reminds us that every aspect of our lives can be an expression of worship and a way to make a positive impact on the world.
As she aptly puts it, "When we align ourselves with God's purpose and use the gifts He has given us, we can experience true joy and fulfillment in our work." So let us embark on this journey of discovering our God-given purpose and finding joy in the work that we're called to do. For in it, we may find not only personal fulfillment, but also the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Recommended Resources:
Katie Hornor's YouTube Channel
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Discussion Questions:
Have you ever experienced a setback or unexpected change in your career or ministry? How did you handle it, and did it ultimately lead to new opportunities or growth?
How do you personally view the concept of work? Do you see it as a means to an end, or do you find enjoyment and purpose in what you do?
Do you believe that everyone has a unique purpose and set of gifts that they can use to meet needs and make a positive impact on the world? Why or why not?
How have you navigated the tension between your responsibilities as a parent and your desire to pursue work or other interests outside of motherhood/fatherhood?
Are there any particular skills or talents that you possess that you feel could be used to serve others and bring in extra income? How might you go about discovering and developing those gifts?
What strategies or techniques have you found helpful for maintaining a positive attitude and finding joy in the everyday responsibilities and tasks of life, particularly in the context of motherhood/fatherhood?
How do you personally define success in work and in life? Is it solely about achievements and accomplishments, or is there a deeper significance that you strive for?
How do you involve your spouse in your career or business decisions? How important do you think their support and involvement is for your success and fulfillment?
Have you experienced any cultural or societal messages that have discouraged you from embracing your uniqueness or pursuing your passions? How have you worked to overcome or challenge those messages?
How do you pass on the idea of work as worship to your children or the younger generation? What strategies or approaches have you found effective in helping them develop a positive attitude towards work and finding purpose in what they do?