Tonight at church, we had a special “5^th grade blessing”.  It was very nice.  We honored our 5^th graders who are advancing to the youth group…to the teen years…and to middle school.  Their teachers and youth ministers talked about the “graduating” class, and we (the parents) presented a “blessing” to them.  DH and I (well, mainly I) spent a fairly large part of the weekend writing Sarah’s blessing.  The blessing was supposed to mention her special qualities, our hopes and prayers for her and our advice for her.  There was so much I wanted to say, but I chose to keep it simple for a couple of reasons.  First of all, I didn’t want to embarrass Sarah too much.  I knew it was to be presented before a group of people.  Secondly, it was supposed to be from both parents.  I knew that if I opened up, it would have been obvious that I wrote it.  I wanted Sarah to know (and believe) that it came from us both. 

I wish I had written it as I felt it.  Turned out, the other parents’ blessings were very touching and really let everyone know more about the child.  It also let me know a lot about the parents.  I try not to be discontented, but it’s so hard not to when you see how involved other parents are in their children’s lives…how close they are… and how they pray for their children so fervently.  The letters that were written to the other kids revealed a deep spiritual connection between the kids and their parents – even before the children were born.  They spoke of specific examples that show their leadership, their caring heart, their patience, etc.  Some of them well exceeded the 2 minute time limit, but it didn’t seem like it.  It was obvious that the mothers wrote many of the letters, but as the dads read them, you could hear the sentiment in their voices.  There were lots of tears and lots of tissue used.  Our blessing to Sarah wasn’t as touching, and I somewhat regret it.  Sarah, on the other hand, was glad I didn’t get as mushy as the other parents, but I wish others could know just how unique and just how special Sarah really is.  I don’t feel we did her justice.

My DH doesn’t know the girls nearly as well as I’d like him to.  He doesn’t put forth the time and effort that’s required to know them like I do.  There are so many things they are missing from him – things that they need.  I can’t change that.  Many times, I hold back because I don’t want to “show him up”.  I need to stop doing that.  In fact, I find that I’ve picked up some of his negative habits instead.  He loves them.  There’s no doubt of that.  He just doesn’t do a good job of showing love in the language they (and I) will hear it.  I guess I’ve been more concerned about his feelings than their needs. 

Okay, back to Sarah.  There are times I think maybe I’m being selfish home schooling her.  I think she’d be fine in PS and will excel in that learning environment.  She had no struggles before we began HSing, and she made friends very easily.  She had a natural tendency to lead – even though she wasn’t trying to.  Nowadays, kids need to see good kids at school – kids who are a positive example and who can help other kids see Jesus in their lives.  I wonder if God would use Sarah in that way if she were there.  Something tells me he would.  I wonder if she’d flourish in that environment.  Something tells me she would.  She’s far from perfect, but she really is a wonderful kid with unusual wisdom for her age. 

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Posted by kcmyworld

I've recently told several people that we began homeschooling for the kids but now we do it more for me! I can't imagine being away from them for the entire day every day. My son would do fine in public school as far as academics and I think he would do well with the social aspects. But I think he would be easily influenced by the materialistic things the other kids have and want. He's also such a sweet kid - I can't bear the thought of him being teased and picked on because of his sweet, easy-going nature. I also know that he and his sister would not be nearly as close if he had school friends instead. Could God use him? Of course - God can even use a donkey when necessary as He did with Balaam. But at this time, I know that God has called us to keep him at home. Praying for you tonight. It sounds like you have a lot on your mind.

Robin

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Posted by floridasunsets

Uh oh, you've changed again. I thought I was in the wrong place, lol!

And don't be so hard on yourself...or your hubby.

First of all, your daughter was happy with what you wrote. Sometimes all that matters is what you know, not what everyone else knows. They'll get to know her.

Second, words aren't usually a "guy thing." If it were my house, I'd have had to write the ENTIRE thing myself and then hand it over for "editing." They are who they are and not real prone to change, lol!

And third, write what you wanted to write anyway, and post it here. I, for one, would love to read it.

Your sister in Christ,
Betty

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Posted by bbullard

Hey, lady, I love your template. I started with the coffee cup--it's one of my favorites. I would have to reflect more on this post as I haven't given it the time it deserves. You spoke the heart of a mother. I find myself going through a phase right now of trying to get my head around my daughter's changing needs--when she wants to be a young lady in need of a friend, when she wants to be a kid in need of Mom. I would not be so bold as to give you advice, but I'll instead offer that the Lord knows what season your family is in, and He is able.

I'll also add a short testimony about my dad, who came up very neglected. Though affectionate when I was a small kid, he never said "I love you" until he was--literally--on his death bed. All the years in between, love in his mind was keeping bills paid--working, making sure things stayed fixed, and being ridiculously protective. I've concluded as a parent that, without the grace of God, that we become whatever our parents were. Moreover, whatever issues they had get projected right onto us until we decide to cry out to God.

I don't know if this helps, but I felt like sharing. Prayerfully it might minister to one of your readers.

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Posted by sahmto4orMore

I'm glad to hear about Seth and the new decision.

Sarah sounds like a delightful child. I probably would have handled it in much the same way. It is good that she was thankful you didn't get too mushy....she is the one that matters, not what other people might (or might not) think.

Have a good weekend,
tracy

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