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{Kellie’s Note: Excerpted from One Hundred and One Devotions for Homeschool Moms by Jackie Wellwood. This is a down-to-earth, real-life book that will bless and encourage. I recommend this to all new and seasoned homeschool moms.}
But He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ~ James 4:6
When I first began homeschooling, I wanted to tell everyone what we were doing. I was so excited and proud of our decision. I didn’t mean to come across as thinking what I was doing was better than what others had chosen, but that is exactly what happened. Naturally when you share the news with those who are not homeschooling, there is tension as they have to process the fact that they have chosen another alternative and may begin to wonder if what they are doing is right. If you verbalize to them that you feel homeschooling is the best way to educate children, then you have created even greater tension.
Homeschooling isn’t for every family. People should not be made to feel bad because they can’t or don’t want to homeschool. It is only by the grace of God that I can do it. When we boast (unfortunately this is how we sound) of our homeschooling, we fail to acknowledge the grace God has given us. We act as though we are better than others who are not homeschooling. This prideful and haughty spirit does a lot of damage in very little time.
If we show grace (goodwill or kindness) to others instead, we are likely to draw others toward us rather than repel them. As excited as we are about homeschooling, it doesn’t hurt to keep quiet about it. When people learn that you are homeschooling, they will ask questions. This is a better forum to share what you are doing. Be sure to ask questions about what they are doing with their own children. Showing interest in their choices paves the way to have a friendly conversation even though you are not both homeschooling.
Ultimately we are all responsible as parents for the training of our children. Some of us delegate more of this responsibility than others, but we as parents are still responsible. How much better it is to support and encourage each other in our parental duties than to shun each other because we aren’t doing it the same way. Others may approach you with a prideful spirit because they feel their educational choice is the only right one. Respond to them kindly and reflect God’s grace through your response to them. Remember, in the end, it is only pleasing God that will matter.
Our own behavior must always take this into account.
Do I run people over as I tell them all about homeschooling?
Have I considered that everyone does not share my enthusiasm?
Dear Jesus, forgive the prideful, haughty spirit that developed in me as I began our homeschooling journey. Show me how to share my excitement about homeschooling with others in a humble way. Please make me more sensitive to the needs of others who may want to homeschool and can’t at this time. Let me be their friend and not their enemy.
I'm a homeschool mom of 4 with a love for learning and developing homeschool community. My vision for Fuel is to be a helpful and encouraging resource in your homeschool.
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