(Perhaps before reading this read the "Read Me First Page"!)
I
have thoroughly enjoyed the pursuit of understanding the ethos behind
homeschooling, the conversations I have had with many homeschooling
families, and the inner delight and excitement that has dawned
within me. It witnesses within my spirit, that this is right for our
family; that although we know of no one else who does this, it is
for us, at this time.
God
has shown me time and time again, that this is a season for me to
stand on my own before God, and seek him for what is right for me,
rather than watching women I admire and trying to emulate what they
do...it's about vision vs formula. The endless guilt, and pressure to
do as others do – this path is one God is leading me down to
ensure that I can live free, and that I can trust him with all my
heart and lean not on my understanding.
Surprisingly
for me, there are a number of scriptures in the Bible that talk of
education – instruction/teaching etc. This has confronted me on
two levels – one, do we dare to take these scriptures literally
and believe that it is our job as parents to teach and educate (a
sidenote - I am sadly bemused how easy it is to selectively obey
scriptures). Secondly, it doesn't make much sense to me how you can
still do this if one's child is not at home interacting with you on
a day to day basis. School takes them outside of the home for much
of their waking time.
There
are ancient paths that lead in the way everlasting - This is what the
LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the
ancient
paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest
for your souls." (Jer 6:15-17)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be
upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them
when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie
down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind
them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses
and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy
6 4-9)
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not
turn from it.
(Prov 22vs6)
This
is what we are called to, to train them according to their bent –
some scholars believe that this includes training them up in their
vocation – as parents we can so clearly see our children's
strengths and weaknesses, we can see their giftings and abilities.
With an ear close to God, we can channel them from an early age, and
cut out years of wasted time and energy, and help them walk into
their identity and destiny with a flourish! None of this ending
school without knowing what to do!
Throughout
these proverbs there are references to a father and mother teaching
children, receiving instruction, with reference to young children
being taught. Surely it should be our primary goal as parents?
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