The ‘lazy’ days of summer are gone, and I am now embarking on the amazing responsibility of schooling my two oldest boys. As I look at this daunting task, I have two choices: I can run away screaming and tearing my hair out, or I can embrace this season with faith and awe, that God has chosen to allow me to make this priceless investment into the minds and hearts of these children. Over the last four years of homeschooling, I have learned much and have had the opportunity to watch my boys’ minds be stretched and see some exciting ‘light bulb’ moments firsthand- what a treasure! I stumbled across a poem written in 1921, and as I read it, I am reminded of my temptation to self-sufficiency in this area of teaching my children, and therefore my need to cast myself on His mercy daily as I seek to honor Him in this area of my life. And so, to all the ladies who read this: Thank you for your investment in the lives of children! From young mother’s helpers, young adults babysitting, singles whose occupation is teaching, home-schooling moms, public- and private-schooling moms, to Grandmothers with their grandchildren, and everyone in between, we are all called by God in some fashion to teach those who are younger, and so this applies to you, too! I hope it encourages you all along this amazing journey of instruction!
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray? I teach them knowledge, but I know How faint the flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow. I teach them power to will and do, But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through. I teach them love for all mankind And all God’s creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind. Lord, if their guide I still must be, Oh let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee. by Leslie Pinckney Hill
This is very encouraging (especially to this mom new to homeschooling this year). It is easy to question your decision on schooling, because it is such an important one. God will give the grace and strength for whatever school path you and your child will follow. Thank you for including all of us who contribute to the lives of children in this post. Thank you for reminding us, also, who is sovereign in all we do…not just schooling.
Dana