It’s that time of year again when most American families are getting ready for another school year. Whether your children attend public school, private school, or you choose to homeschool your children, a certain amount of planning and preparation usually takes place.
We have been a homeschooling family from the time our children began their “formal” education. Our four have finished high school and so my official homeschooling mom badge has been laid aside. It is kind of bittersweet to read all of the mommy blogs in which they talk about their upcoming school year – the new planners, scouring catalogs and trying to decide what’s best for each particular child, crisp, new textbooks and other supplemental material in the mail, etc, etc. I do miss those days, but I thoroughly enjoy our place in life now. Although I’d love to reclaim a day here and there when my children were little – giggles, cuddle time, reading time, history time (me falling asleep while reading to them), I don’t think spending my time longing for the past is what God wants of me.
While everyone is making plans for their new school year, I thought it might be a good time to throw a few thoughts out there for consideration. While it is very important to provide an academic foundation for our children, our GREATEST task, in regards to our children, is to provide them with a spiritual foundation.
Proverbs 28:26 “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
2 Timothy 3:15 “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
If our children come away with a solid biblical knowledge base which gives them the ability to confidently answer the following questions AND we have instilled within them the desire to live life accordingly, then we will have given them the greatest gift.
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
I realize that may be oversimplifying the complexity of life, but really, these questions address what life is all about and will help put things in perspective, and God, through his Holy Word, has provided the answers. Yes, our children need to be taught the academics, but don’t forget to keep things in perspective.
FINALLY! A mother admits to falling asleep reading history (when the kids wished they could)! Victory! LOL 😀
What a sweet and good article Joy. The little tidbit about you falling asleep reading history was a nice bit of insight…glad I’m not the only one who has done that. I’m thankful for your reminder for that which is most important. I love you friend.
~Debbie
Joy,
Your mother is proud of the work you did, homeschooling your children. Your commitment was and is to be admired.
Your children will be forever thankful.
Love you,
Mom
Ah yes… I remember this one time… Does Billy Bud mean anything to you? 😉 I do miss those days, too, but I’m glad for new times as well! Thanks for preparing us kids in the ways that mean the most as well as the lesser subjects! Great thoughts, as always, my sweet Mom. I love you!
What wonderful thoughts Joy! M