In most areas, I am a quick learner. In other areas, I am a bit slow. Take mothering, for instance. I can be very intent on keeping rules and
keeping schedules, but forget that I am
looking for a clean heart more than a
clean room. I always remember that the
children should obey their parents and
be kind to each other, but easily forget that I need to be quick to hear and
slow to anger with them. I remember to
order the curriculum, but forget why I
am homeschooling these kids with the
whiney attitudes, dirty faces, stinky pets,
messy bedrooms, and loud antics. I need
a refresher course. I need to go back to
school. Here are the test questions I am
giving myself.
Am I Doing What’s Important?
After Jesus rose, He told Peter three important things to focus on for the rest of
his days on the earth: to love Him, obey
Him, and to feed His sheep.
1 It is the same
thing God the Father required of the Israelites: love God with all your heart, keep
His commands, and teach your children
to do the same (feed His sheep).
2
Do I pass that same test? I have to take
time to assess whether my homeschooling
mirrors these things. I have had to change
my schedule to actually reflect my first
priority as loving God with all that I am,
have, and do, and to teach my kids to do
the same. My life and my decisions need to
reflect obedience to God’s commands and
I am to teach my kids to do the same. Only
then will my homeschool be prosperous
and successful.
We can have confidence that we are doing the right thing by homeschooling our
children if we are doing the important,
eternal things with them when we are
walking, talking, and living life with them.
“For in Him we live, and move, and
have our being” (Acts 17: 28).
Who Is Doing All the Work?
Whenever I feel like I am doing this alone,
or feel weary with the lack of help, then
I have failed the test. I fail to realize that
God desires to do His work through me.
Instead of powering through every-
thing in our own failing strength, God
www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
Editorial
Deborah Wuehler,
Senior Editor
When Mom Goes Back to School
I am in need of refreshment in body, soul, and spirit—
especially during this summer season.