Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Reluctant Homeschoolers

We're back into the full swing of homeschooling as of this week. This year we have enrolled a 4th grader, a 2nd grader, and a kindergartener. We expect this to be a difficult year (not a first) with Faith and Zeke to tend to. We thought seriously about sending one or two of the children to a local school but decided that we'd try it for one more year (not a first for that feeling either).

There are some things we love about homeschool: that we get to teach our children some very important things ourselves, that we have control over the curriculum (which means we get to buy lots of books!), that they seem to learn responsibility and maturity better in the home environment, that we can "shelter our children" (oh no!) from many harmful influences. There are some things that we don't like about it: you can become white-washed tombs like in the cartoon, it's hard, there are tendencies to expasperate the children or to let them slide, you wonder if they are missing out in some areas, etc.

I'm thankful for others who have helped us in the past and how God provides new help each year. This year one of the "older ladies" in the church has offered to tutor Eli once a week on a number of weak areas he has; that's a great display of love to us! So if you can take some time to pray for us, we'd appreciate if you'd include a prayer for our schoolyear.

2 comments:

Christopher Family said...

Hey Tim,

Glad you are staying with the homeschool. With little ones the work never ends, but then never does the rewards.

I'm studying Phillipians 2 right now; actually the Lord has had the 2nd chapter on my mind for over 8 years now...slow learner. "Do nothing from selfish ambition," Of course Paul was referring to both, the incorrect example of some church leaders promoting their own agenda, god is there belly, etc. Also, the perfect example of Christ, who was the ultimate servant by laying down his life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed in life, I remember the great example in Phillipians 2 to look to Christ.

Love ya and we think about your family often.

Glen Christopher/Warner-Robins

Tim said...

Hey Glen, it's good to hear from you again! Thanks for the encouragement.