Maybe you veterans of homeschooling just let this question roll off of your back. But to me right now, this question feels more like a criticism at times. I feel like I am constantly having to justify our decision to homeschool.

I did have a "divine" encounter the other day! My husband and his family were at lunch on a Sunday and invariably the question gets asked in front of everyone. I do my best not to feel the heat of the glaring spotlight turned on me. I try to give short, undefensive answers. But what happened next was such a "God-thing"! It was time to eat and my oldest reminds everyone that it is time to bless the food. HE ends up leading the blessing and prayers for  2 of the family members health sitting at the table. After the prayer, my husband`s aunt, whom has cancer, thanks him for his beautiful prayer. And in his humble way, he looks at her and says, " I pray for you every day." This is the same child that was diagnosed with mild autism 5 years ago. This was definately from his heart! Because he does remember her in his prayers daily.

That is validation to me that the most important lessons that I want him(and his siblings) to learn are not the ones that can be taught at the public school. Love of God, love for family and neighbors. Not thinking of only himself. Even if no academic advances were gained this year, the opportunity to have my kids saturated in the Word and to have relaxed family time in the evenings.................That is priceless! To me that is an abundant, full life.