"I think it's sad how "excited" parents are about school starting soon. When did our children switch from blessing to burden??"
This is a friend that I've known for 11 years, and she and her husband are big time advocates for homeschooling as they homeschool their children. So it kind of upset me b/c I hate the rift there is between homeschooling and public schooling. (we will leave private school out b/c they generally are in a category of their own) The assumption with her status is that if you are excited to send your kids away to school then you see you kids as a burden. I don't want to dwell on this b/c it is a sensitive issue that can be divisive and is not a salvation issue. But I do want to say that I wish both sides would support the other and not think more highly of themselves for choosing one or the other. Just b/c you homeschool doesn't mean you are more spiritual or love your children more and on the other side just b/c you choose public school doesn't mean you are more spiritual or love your children more. We are in this together, fighting the good fight, trying to win people to Christ. I wish the big picture would be what we see, the reason we are here: to love God and to love His people. Whatever method you choose to educate your children, you have to be involved, and you still have the responsibility to teach your children about God. I know families on both sides that do an amazing job and have amazing children.We are excited for school to start. My boys are so excited to go and meet new friends and have new adventures. I am excited for each step of their life, and Jarod and I join them on their journey. We met a lot of great families last year and have had ministry opportunities b/c of that. I grant you that some people do get excited to ship their kids off for the day but not all families are like that. We are enjoying the adventure of raising our kids, and we look forward to what comes this year.
So let's not let this issue be a ruler of spirituality or love for our children. Let's support one another and encourage each other to raise our children to love God above all else. That's my bit that I felt I needed to get out.....
You're wrong.
ReplyDeleteJust kidding :)
I understand her sentiment and I don't think your family or ones like it are what she's referencing. It's the "get the kids out of my hair" attitude that's disturbing. I have people say all the time, "I could never home school, I couldn't be with my kids all the time."
Each family needs to pray about what God is calling them to for their family recognizing that there are options and God may call you to something you hadn't ever thought possible. Whether it's home schooling, or trusting He'll provide for your needs while paying for private school etc. Always remembering it's not our strength we depend on. 2 Cor 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Just my 2 cents as a homeschooling momma that struggles with following God's calling at times.
Hey Laura, here's a new blog site for you. I tried to leave you a long homeschool message but it wouldn't go through. Thought you might like to read this site.
ReplyDeleteJane it didn't come through for the website. I want everyone to know I'm not against homeschooling- just don't want there to be a divide between those who do and those who don't. I support all families to do whatever is best for their families.
ReplyDelete