Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Assignment: We only have today. Should God take you today, have you accomplished everything that you wanted to, needed to. Have you said all the things that needed to be said?  Let’s have no regrets, let’s make sure we get to those things, so that when we’re standing before the Lord, the only thing we need to do is to worship him.. and not regret not getting to that thing on our to do list. Stop - go take care of that thing…. then, come tell  us what you choose to share. Don’t embarrass yourself or any of your loved ones

*****************************************************************************************************************

I listened to a CD recently released by Victoria Botkin today that has left me pondering again the purpose of homeschooling.  Our purpose, dh and I, is to raise our children to be authentic people (Christians, thinkers, creators, homemakers, inventors, preachers, etc), who basis their lives on God's truth from Scripture, in a world that lives on a stale meal of old leftovers.  To be sure, that is a very simple way of stating our goal but the basis is sound. 

Mrs. Botkin's premise is very similar to my own philosophy of learning and I found myself being reminded again to view our homeschooling experience with eternal lenses on.  It isn't about what curriculum you use, what age your child is when they learn to read, how much or how little money you spend on school "stuff" or even how much time you spend doing school.  In the end it isn't about doing school at all.  Its about life. 

Have we taught our children how to do life? 

I remember going on a walk with a dear friend while I was still pregnant with our first child.  We were talking about school choices and homeschooling options.  I was just beginning to research homeschooling methods and such.  I casually mentioned that I had taught in different EarlyChildhood settings and felt comfortable with that age group.  My friend, also casually, mentioned that maybe I should pray for the grace to overcome the obstacle that my previous experience may create in our homeschooling effort.  HUH?!  I was pointing out how I was uniquely gifted and qualified to embark upon this noble and worthy venture.  Why did I need to pray for grace to overcome what I thought was a blessing? 

My focus was misplaced.  I was confusing school with education. 

A grievous mistake that many (friends, relatives, fellow homeschoolers, etc.) make. 

How does this tie into the assignment for the week?  The thing I want to remember to each day is to disciple my children while educating them.  I don't want to just "do school".  I want our lives to be about learning in God's world, doing ministry in God's church, and advancing God's kingdom.  Each day that accomplishes this task will bring honor and glory to my Father and leave me with no regret. 

Yes, it means that the dishes aren't always done on time, the laundry isn't always put away and that I'm walking around the lastest (and greatest) "thing" (made out of the box that came in the mail today) but I'm banking on eternal dividends.

Thank you, Mrs. Botkin!  I found your talk very uplifting and a great reminder that I am to be about my Father's work and not that of comparing myself to a fallen world.