Well...here we are...ready to begin Kindergarten. I cannot believe that Keira is 5 and ready to start school but she is and that time of year is quickly approaching. I just finished (like 5 minutes ago) planning the entire year of Kindergarten out. Each day of the school year has a folder and in it contains worksheets, craft materials and activity ideas. Knowing that baby boy could arrive any time in the next few weeks and knowing myself, I really felt the need to have the entire year planned to make it as easy as possible for me to accomplish teaching her each day.
5 years ago, when Keira was born, we already knew that God had called us to home educate our children. Actually, I would have told you when I was 13 that this is what I wanted, but what I have wanted and what God has wanted for me has not always lined up....but here we are.
I wanted to put our reasons out there on why we are embarking on this journey. I want to make it very clear where Tom and I stand so that our friends and family can fully understand. Our beliefs and convictions may not line up with yours but regardless, we feel that we are doing what WE...the McMillan family, are called to do.
First and foremost, we feel that the most important thing that we can teach our children is about Jesus Christ. We cannot choose for them that they will believe when they are old enough to choose for themselves but that is our biggest hope in life. I hope it is yours too. I am excited to have the opportunity to incorporate that into their education. In fact, the curriculum we are using spends the first two weeks on Creation. I love that.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Overall, I think that the best way to do this is to lead by example. We need to be in the Word of God daily where our children see and know that. Yes, I will have the opportunity to also teach my kids spiritual things throughout their school day, but every parent has this opportunity whether you are home schooling, private schooling or public schooling your children. We need to teach our children the truth so they do not depart from it. How you choose to do that is a decision for your family to make. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE understand that this is the most important thing that you can give to your children. Eternity in Heaven.
The second reason that Tom and I want to home school our kids is because we both struggled in school. Not because we couldn't' do it, but because we were timid. Maybe not so much socially but you would not have caught me raising my hand for anything EVER! What if I had the wrong answer? I usually had the right answer but my teachers never would have known that. I wasn't pushed forward or challenged in school. I was often bored and because of my lack of confidence in the early years, I really struggled through high school. I am sometimes not sure how I graduated at all since I rarely turned in any homework assignments.
However, I had parents who were leading by example spiritually at home. I woke up most days to them praying or reading their Bibles. They were involved in all kinds of ministries at church and their faith was exciting and real to them. That is what is important. Sometimes I think they prayed me though school.
I know that there are so many skeptics when it comes to home education. People worry about socialization, sports, music and all the extras. I don't worry about those things. The resources available to us now are incredible. Our kids are constantly socializing. Keira is now in competitive Irish dance, we are at church ALL THE TIME.
There are certainly days when I wonder how God will ensure that my kids learn what they need to. But the fact of the matter is...if I am doing what God has called ME to do, I will be successful..
I do not see eye to eye with all homeschooling families just as I don't see eye to eye with everyone in our church, family, or different friendships. We all bring different gifts and abilities to the table. God calls each one of us to different things in life.
What I do urge you do to, is take very seriously your calling to teach your kids about the Love of Christ. Nothing else matters.
When our kids are adults, no one will likely know what kind of school they went to, if they were on a schedule as a baby, when they got potty trained, whether they were formula or breast fed or any of those things that we are constantly comparing.
What needs to stand strong is their relationship with Christ.
So, this post is long and maybe doesn't make complete sense because I am incredibly pregnant, uncomfortable and tired, BUT I hope it is an encouragement to someone out there who feels like they are being "judged" by the other side of the table.
Let us encourage one another to teach our kids about the love that our God has for His children. If you are doing that, than stand strong in YOUR convictions on how to educate your kids. You will be blessed for your obedience.
