Posted in Quote Contemplations

"You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart

until it is burning in your own."

~ Anonymous

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Those that know me personally, know me well for saying,

"If you love it, your children will love it (at least to some degree)."

It seems that every time we had a homeschool meeting

or everytime homeschooling was/is discussed,

I would find myself saying that or at least something similar.

Do I believe it? You betcha!

Have you ever been around someone

that was so excited about something?

It can be quite contagious... even if it's just a little.

Or how about the flip side?

Have you even been around someone

that wasn't excited about that something?

That can be quite contagious, too.

Initially, when I would claim "If you love it, your children will"

I was thinking along the lines of academics and such.

If they see a curiousity, a love and excitement for learning in us

then they will be motivated and compelled

to become more curious and excited and will develop a love for learning.

This also applies to our ministry to others...

When we are excited, passionate, and convicted about things

like homeschooling, our children, our husbands, etc...

what a wonderful opportunity we have to be

a help and encouragement to many others.

The same applies to our spiritual lives...

When we are on fire for the Lord and for spiritual things,

when we are living a life that is full of love for Him,

when we are serving Him with joy and gladness,

and not in mere obedience or in drudgery,

our children will, too, be curious, motivated, and compelled to follow.

This is a 'lead by example' issue.

When we desire our children to be motivated,

to be on fire for something,

we ought to be that way first... leading and showing them.

We need to be "An Example Worth Following".

This applies to academics, character, self-discipline,

spiritual things, and much more!

May we light our hearts afire

so that we may ignite the fire in our young ones.