When we first discussed homeschooling, we always considered putting our kids into public school at some point. It was never really our goal to educate them all the way through. Sadly, that meant I never really got to teach the high level science I really wanted to, but I may be only raising one scientist, possibly, so probably not a big deal. But it also meant they would need to make transitions at an older age that most kids make at a younger age. This is the one thing my kids complain about the most. Everyone has been going to school together for a long time and they have struggled to find their place. But each has found a place. Drama, band, choir, soccer, softball, mascot, and various clubs have given our kids a place.
But here is the fascinating part for me. My oldest just went to college and it is like the lid of her life has been ripped off (in a good way). She loves college, really enjoys her teachers and classes and loves the independence. We just got a pedicure together and it was so fun to hear how alive she is with dreams and ideas. I could brag about accomplishments, but what astounds me is her joy. But she is also wonderfully responsible. Amen! Somehow amidst the years of trying to find her place, she has simply created her own place and invited others to join her. I love it!
I won't lie. This was my hope with our big education plan. Start homeschooling with the eventual move to school so by college they would know who they were, that they are loved, and believe they were created for a purpose. "The Glory of God is man fully alive." St. Irenaeus. One down, 3 to go.
Now this feels a bit premature and I'm not ready to write my book, but I really wonder about the spiritual elements of this educational philosophy. I am about half way through my Master's at Moody Bible Institute so take it for what its worth. But I have been surprised at the importance of suffering in the Word of God. I am not sure I can even think of a major character of the Bible who does not go through a time of suffering, or a life of suffering. It simply has a place in the life of God's people. Now in reality it has a place in everyone's life. No one gets through this life without experiencing suffering. This is a broken world. But in God's economy, nothing is wasted and the suffering really does produce something amazing if we let it do its work. It can produce bitterness as well if we let it. So how does this relate to our educational philosophy?
When we chose to send our kids to school, it was largely practical. I knew there were things I could not teach them in "the warm glow and in your pajamas" days of homeschooling. They needed to learn how to navigate bullies, deadlines, grades, juggle many classes, wardrobe malfunctions and the opposite sex. But now that we have put one threw (spelling intended) the system and she is off at college, I see that high school was all that and a lot of suffering. But perhaps suffering has done its work and now at least my oldest can experience its benefits.
So check back with me in 5 years when all of them move to the next level. Perhaps my oldest is an anomaly and the rest will have a very different experience. But I can see the same work in their lives as high school takes its toll on them. There really is no way to stop the suffering sometimes for our children. That is a very difficult truth to accept as a parent. But now I can see it as a gift from God and not pointless affliction or just bad parenting.
Perhaps it will even yield "Another Homeschool Success Story" as we watch God do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or imagine. (Eph 3:20)
