In Mary Shelley's novel about Dr. Frankenstein, a newly assembled body "awakens, slides off the table and begins to walk and talk. At first, as the story goes, the creature was gentle and innocent. However, because of adverse circumstances, he eventually transforms into a terror. What Dr. Frankenstein created, he could not control. The created persona took on a life of its own becoming independent, uncontrollable and destructive" (taken from Dr. Frankenstein and World Systems by Bob Mumford, pages 5-6).
Similarly, homeschooling begins from a mother's love for her child/children and a hope to offer something better than can be found elsewhere. Out of this desire, an educational system begins in the home that can either be a benign, gentle creature or a monster that becomes an uncontrollable terror, doing things and creaitng problems never intended. Paul states it best.
"Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord's mighty power within you. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies - the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this owrld; and against huge numbers of wicket spirits in the spirit world. So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up" (Ephesians 6:10-13).
Instruction in righteousness can bring redemption to our homeschooling, which is a demonstration of a mother's love to give a sound education in a safe and pleasant atmosphere that instills and motivates learning so their children can reach their highest callings and destinies through Jesus Christ.
I must remind myself of this on a daily basis, asking for God's grace when I feel my homeschool day is getting out of hand, and worst of all, I am getting out of hand. Homeschooling continues to keep me on my knees. |
