I look to the hills, from where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and of earth. Psalm 118:
It was one of those defining moments in one’s life when you know what you are supposed to do but you hesitate. For me, it was the moment that I knew we were supposed to keep our daughter home from school and begin the journey of home-centered education. What if I fail? This was my lingering question.
I am sure this question of failure is a common thought among the hearts and minds of many homeschooling parents. We realize all too quickly that this is not a job for the faint-at-heart, nor is it a role that is taken on a whim. At least, it shouldn’t be. The act of educating is defined as the leading out of another, as out of bondage. Isn’t that an interesting concept to consider?
I honestly didn’t see this opportunity as a way to lead my child out, at the time, and to ‘draw out’ the information hidden inside. It simply was a way to keep her home and safe. Initially, our reasons to home educate were founded by our child’s ongoing heath needs. Over the years we have developed our own ‘Philosophy of Education’, our idea and belief that sustains what education should look like in our home. This philosophy has sometimes changed over the years, but there is a common thread which has remained constant from the beginning; to honor and glorify God in all we do. The desire to know the truth, to educate in freedom, and to instill a love for learning became the byproducts of this journey.
I still find myself asking the “Am I failing?” Question. Sometimes it is worded differently, perhaps as more of a confession or statement rather than a question. I see it rise up on those days when a little too much of my humanity has gotten in the way of my line of vision, those days when I am not looking to the source of my provision. However, there were other days when I actually stopped to listen; these were the days when I heard His voice speaking ever so distinctly in my heart and the sweetness of His spirit permeated the atmosphere. Then, there were the moments in my journey when the Lord sent one of His laborers to minister to my heart and encourage me to keep running the race (Galatians 6:9). Over and over I have found myself in awed wonder at the timeliness of His ministers of mercy in my life. This was his answer to my question above. It wasn’t about whether or not I was failing; it was about whether or not I trusted Him to be my abundant provider in all things. Was I willing to surrender my plans, my dreams, and my goals to walk on the path that He alone called me to?
This resource is intended to be a gift of support and encouragement for you as you walk forward on the path of home education. It is in the act of receiving love that we can begin to show love to others. We are replicating the path of the Savior when we serve with open hearts and open hands. He has shown true love, as John 3:16 reminds us, God so loved the World that he gave to us his only Son so that we would have life in abundance. This abundance supplies the provision of grace we need, because homeschooling your children is hard work. It is, however, worthy of the sacrifices we make; we are raising up the next generation of leaders. In order to see a change in the world around us, we must begin to change the direction of our culture. This can happen only by the Grace of God, yet I believe that as homeschoolers we have already begun the process by stepping out of the norm. In time, the transition will be visible and a culture of integrity will be the reward. Psalm 16:7 declares, “The lines fall for me in pleasant places, I have been given a good heritage.” Let’s work together in faith to see a generation which exhibits this character.
Simply stated, we are not just hosting school sessions in our home. We are, however, influencing future generations to commit themselves to lives of obedience, wisdom and honor when we set that standard at home and in education. One of the most important life lessons we can teach them is to learn to be both hearers and doers of the Word. Strive to teach them the necessity to follow the commandment to love the Lord with all their heart, and to love their neighbor as they love themselves. A lofty endeavor is it not? Yet, in order that we not give up, not only do we count on the provision of Christ’s sufficiency, (Phil. 4:9) but we also can rely on the fellowship of faithful hearts that are willing to walk with us. As we support one another, we will remove the walls of defeat that loom before us and open up doorways of grace to walk through.
When I have reflected on my journey, I smile in remembrance of the faithful friends and acquaintances who have encouraged me, prayed for me, and sometimes even set me straight….back on the path which the Lord called me to walk years ago. We have a faithful God who sees our needs before we do. He will fulfill that which he has called you to start. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
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