Secondhand Lessons
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, September 16, 2013
"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3b).
Much like the rural, one-room schoolhouse of years ago, homeschooling families enjoy the unique benefits of learning academics together. After practicing our multiplication tables one morning, I quizzed my daughter and asked, "What is four times five?" Expecting her to answer, I was totally surprised when my four-year-old son replied nonchalantly, "20." Sitting on the floor quietly playing with his toy cars, I didn't realize how much he had overheard during our math lesson. Without even knowing it, my young son had learned the same information by hearing me teach his older sister.
Academics weren't the only lessons shared in our home. Dealing with toddler and preteen issues and bringing them under God's lordship were eye-openers for all ages. Not only did my younger children glean biblical wisdom from their older siblings, but my older children also understood God's design involved in rearing a family and the responsibilities of setting a godly example. In addition, the faith of my little ones taught me incredible spiritual lessons of God's love and forgiveness. Truthfully, I know I wouldn't be the Christian I am today without having learned just as much from my children as they did from me.
What lesson is God trying to teach you through your children today? You may think you are the teacher, but as you learn, love, and live together as a Christian homeschool family, God has a few secondhand lessons for you to learn as well. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4).
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful opportunities You've given to learn from each other as we homeschool. Help me to hear You speak through my children's hearts and know You're guiding us in Your wisdom each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Comments(3 comments)
SANDRA J 09/16/2008 03:18:04
As a Christian, and as a woman who herself has written devotionals, I just have to tell you what a blessing these devotionals are to me! Over the past month as we've started in the journey of homschooling, they have been a daily encouragement to me!
I can tell that this Mom is serious in her faith as well as experienced in homeschooling. I appreciate the depth of her faith as she writes to encourage others. Please thank her for me, and tell her not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time she will reap a harvest! :-)
You would be wise to keep her on your staff for writing devotionals!
Sandra Jensen
AUDREY A 09/16/2010 10:07:12
I always tell people who asked me that homeschooling is a journey of faith. I have not even started on it yet. Will be next year. And I know that as much as I am going to be my son\'s teacher, I am very much a student too. God has many works to do in me and it will be a humbling experience for me too. I have to be willing to be moulded before I do so for my son. Thanks for the encouraging reminder.
MICHELLE C 09/18/2011 17:16:26
audrey a -you can do it. i am learning 8th grade math with my daughter this year. i couldn\'t learn it in school, but i can now with God\'s help. pray daily and most of all have fun! who knows maybe i will be a tutor when my daughter graduates. who better than a woman in her 50s who just graduated again from highschool?