Kids to the Rescue
Posted in Daily Focus on Thursday, April 10, 2014
What do you do when you homeschool and the teacher gets sick? Not long after we first started homeschooling, I woke up one morning with an aching fever. "Great, now what am I going to do?" I thought to myself. My parents were out of town, and realistically, caring for my two toddlers was all I could handle for the day. Calling my two older children into my bedroom, I weakly said, "Mom's really sick today. You'll have to work on your schoolwork by yourself or just read books and play."
Not batting an eye, they surprised me when they replied, "That's OK, Mom. We can take care of everything." What was even more surprising was that they did! Throughout the day they brought me juice and medicine and helped me keep their younger siblings happy. When the babies and I took an afternoon nap, my seven and eight year old grabbed their school materials and did all the work they could by themselves. Smiling, I realized my children were learning more than academics in our homeschooling. They were learning character qualities like responsibility and kindness.
Children are great helpers, and throughout the Bible, we read stories of when God used them in special ways. Consider young Samuel serving God in the temple (1 Samuel 3), Naaman's servant girl who directed him to Elisha for healing from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3), the boy who shared his lunch with Jesus to feed 5,000 (John 6:9), and little Rhoda who told the other believers that Peter was knocking at the door after his angelic escape from prison (Acts 12:13-16). Although they may seem small and insignificant, each act was great in the eyes of God.
Are you ever tempted to underestimate the value of your child's obedience and faithfulness to the Lord? Every time he speaks with kindness to a sibling, remembers Grandma with a special hello when she comes to visit, or invites a friend to Sunday school, he is doing God's work on a grand scale. Like the disciples who thought the little children were wasting Jesus' time, don't become a stumbling block to your child's small acts of love. "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).
Father, thank You for my children. Forgive me for underestimating what You can do through their prayers and acts of love and help me to encourage them to love You more. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(6 comments)
TRISHA L 04/10/2011 19:31:25
I am a mother of eight. My oldest all went to public schools and weren't doing well at all. One of mine even started cutting themselves to relieve the hurt brought on by others. That was more than 3 years ago now and since then my children have all brought up their grades and the one that was cutting themself, stopped. They have learn to take on more responsiblity and have learn that when they help other they are enoying what they are doing.
Thank You Lord Jesus.
Amen
MICHAEL B 04/10/2012 07:08:48
Thank you for the Daily Focus Devotionals. I am Lora,the mother. I homeschool 3 of my children. The devotionals really encourage me to keep going when I feel like giving up. I love to read what other people have to say about them. So thank you to Alpha and Omega and to other homescvhool moms!!
KATHY S 04/10/2012 08:05:18
Trisha L.
I am so sorry that your child experienced hurting themselves from Public school.
I understand as my son was abused terribly when he attended, he still remains in therapy from all the abuse, I am so thankful to homeschool.
Our schools outside of the home, have become a place that is \"unsafe\" for our children to attend. I never thought that it would get as bad as it has.
And even more sad is, that the staff at the school is completely in \"denial\" to what is going on inside their schools walls. I wish you continued peace with your children.
And Lora, I totally agree with you. I also Love these daily devotionals, I look forward to reading and writing with them each day.
God Bless !
ANA M 04/10/2012 09:39:45
I love these devotionals too. Many times they are speaking straight to me and encourage me to encourage others. Thank you
VICKY T 04/11/2012 04:37:37
Thank you so very much for the reminder of how the smallest and what seems like the insignificant act done in love is great kingdom work. You have breathed life into my journey as a homeschool mom. Thank you Alpha Omega! Blessings!
REBECCA S 04/11/2012 13:39:25
Rebecca S
I am so very thankful for Alpha Omega homeschooling and I love the daily devotions and a way to read and reply back with other homeschool moms . It lets you know your not alone on the journey to educate my child in a Bible based way and a safe invironment . It is trying some days and even some family members are not supportive but hearing from everyone else is a great blessing and incouragement. God tells us to bring our children \"up in the right way and they will not stray\" . Great thanks to you all and may God bless you and your children, I know he will. Keep up the good work.