Meeting of the Minds

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Proverbs 12:15).

Our homeschooling days would never have survived without incorporating family meetings. Every week, we sat down for a discussion time with our children to ask for their feedback about our homeschooling schedule and activities. Curriculum choices that weren't working were replaced with options that met each child's learning style. Unrealistic goals based on prepackaged teacher's keys were adapted to fit the abilities of each child. The enlistment of our children's insightful and creative opinions helped to keep our homeschooling interesting, workable, and fun.

The early Christian church would never have survived if a meeting of the minds hadn't happened as well (Acts 15). There was a big division between the Jewish and Gentile believers about the matter of circumcision for salvation. The apostles and the elders in Jerusalem needed to agree on the truth of the Gospel message of Christ. Fortunately, several apostles kept the church from dividing by presenting Scripture that brought these two camps together (vs. 1-12).

Are you sensing some issues in your homeschool and the need for change in the new year? Plan a meeting of the minds with your children. You'll be amazed at their ideas and insights and find the unity in homeschooling that God desires for your family. "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22).

Lord, forgive me for failing to counsel with my own children about homeschooling. Give me wisdom to hear Your voice as You speak through their heartfelt needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.