It's About More Than The Books

As spring gets under way I start to get lots of phone calls about helping families with their curriculum choices.  This is something that I love to do.  With all the choices out there it can seem overwhelming at times to even the most experienced home educator. Sometimes I can be a help. I love the challenge of helping a homeschool mom solve a problem in their homeschool.  It is a joy to hear that a suggestion worked out.

Many of you are already planning for next year.  Good for you!  Part of planning is looking back at the year just done.  Often times as Moms we are better at seeing what we haven't done than seeing what we have accomplished. Homeschooling is so much more than finishing a math book or doing cool science experiments.  While those are good and worthy goals there are bigger things at stake.

Home education is about nurturing our children in the faith. It is passing along the things that we value most to our children. Above all it is having the time and the place so that we can be intentional about introducing our children to the Lord. One of the greatest joys we had as a homeschool parents was to have the opportunity daily, to instruct our children in things of the Lord. Language arts, math, science and a lot of other things were part of our homeschool education however, these were not necessarily the most important things.

It was not always this way.  After we had homeschooled for about eight years we started to realize that we were not seeing the results we were hoping for in our children. We had thought that by doing some Bible study, and spending a good quantity of quality time together our children would grow up with Godly character and close sibling relationships. When it didn't seem to be happening we changed our focus. The goal of our program became raising children  who were "mighty in spirit".  Studying godly character and applying it in our lives (parents as well as children)  became as important as studying math. 

While knowledge is important, being diligent, trustworthy, and obedient are qualities that will be applied throughout life.  Employers today are looking for men and women who will show up on time and do the whole job, with their whole heart, to the best of their ability. They can share knowledge and teach a skill but they cannot create a work ethic.  As your children grow in character and enter the community in various capacities they can become a shining testimony for the Lord. Many of you can attest to this as you hear glowing reports from employers or volunteer supervisors concerning your children.

So, as you look back on your year consider the lessons you have learned as a family.  Maybe you haven't finished math but you've all grown in consideration of one another. That too is success. Perhaps this year you have expanded your family ministry or you have seen great spiritual growth in your children.  As you evaluate don't forget to think about the lessons that have been learned as you and your loved ones have done life together.

Homeschooling really is about more than books.



Unless the Lord Builds the house they labour in vain to build it.