We homeschool.
This brings about many varied responses in people. Some smile with admiration and understand the benefits, others nod with a far-off look of wonder and perhaps curiousity. Some have a genuine interest to understand and want to know more. Then there are the thankfully rare instances that someone thinks something must be wrong that led us to that choice. I even had someone ask me once what was wrong with my child that we had to homeschool!!
The truth is we homeschool because that is what God led us to do. James and I felt (and feel) very strongly that God not only led us to this decision, He daily equips us with His divine inspiration and leadership enabling us to teach our children and guide them as they grow into the strong, Godly adults we are praying for. Yes it's true we don't have all the high-tech equipment or sports fields that are available to more traditional schools. But, we also don't have a single bully in the "lunchroom" or foul language on our bathroom walls. This choice may not be for every family, but it is without a doubt where God has led us and it is a decision we are thankful for each and every day! There are many sacrifices, but so many more blessings!
In fact, the choice to homeschool has been one of the biggest blessing in our lives. It has brought our family closer together and even more importantly, has led each member of our family into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our creator. It has at the same time, been the biggest challenge we have ever faced on an ongoing basis. Each day, we must choose to be productive and accomplish what needs to be done. Every morning is a new challenge to balance the academic studies and the duties of life and keep God at the very center of every detail. Some days are wildly successful and others are not. Not so strangely, the smoother, more productive days always begin with time seeking God's direction and letting Him order our day.
Of course, we must measure and gauge how our children are doing. We must set goals and ensure those goals are being met. However, the measure of success cannot just be a letter or number on a piece of paper. Determining whether they are successful in their growth and learning has to be deeper, more meaningful and lasting. I must look further into the future and prepare them to become the adults they are created to be. I must rise to the challenge of leading them in the right way, but I must also step back at just the right time and let them make choices and observations on their own, trusting I have given the resources and foundation they will need to last a lifetime of good choices.
I have the honor and blessed privilige of spending these days with my children, getting to know them and lead them day by day toward the plan God has designed for each of them. My challenge is to stay focused on the task at hand and never lose sight of the goal. I am not raising straight A students or scholars. I am not raising the class president. I am not raising a future CEO or business owner. Now, each of those are wonderful things and are possible outcomes. However, these cannot be my goal. My goal must be bigger. In fact, it must be God's goal for their lives.
I am striving to raise mature, godly young men who will stand strong for Jesus in the face of every challenge that lies ahead. I am raising warriors who will fight for the truth and protect the people in their lives with humility, dignity, and grace. I am raising men strong enough to admit they need God and willing to kneel before Him daily. And I am raising intelligent thinkers who will be seekers of knowledge and truth every day of their lives. These are my goals as a mom/teacher and I pray for abundant fruit in my children's lives as the measure of my success. I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength and so can my children!
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
(3 John 1:4)
