Homeschooling is hard work--and it's risky. The rewards are real but they sometimes don't show up for twenty years, while the risks are in your face every minute of every day. One of the things we can do to lift our wife's spirits is to tell her the value of what she's investing in.

It's a biblical concept--Proverbs 31:18 says that the excellent wife "perceives that her merchandise if profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." If she really believes that she's doing something worthwhile, she can do it with joy. If she is plagued by doubts and fears, it's nothing but effort.

How do you help her see the value of what she does? The best way I know is to keep your eyes open for the specifics. The first fruits of your homeschool adventure may be like strawberries--they ripen early but they often get hidden under the leaves. We tend to miss them, but they're so sweet when we find them.

Keep your eyes open for the first sweet fruits of your homeschool this fall. Watch your kids closely for some act of kindness, moment of obedience, or word of respect. That's the fruit we're really looking for at home. Make sure your wife can taste it!