I am linking up with an amazing group of women as we read through Rachael Carman’s book, How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for your Kids. The lure was this: learning how to parent with the emphasis being on winning their hearts for God, while at the same time supporting of my my blogging buddies in a new ministry of her blog.
It wasn’t long after I joined the facebook group of moms in the group that I realized something a little bit unsettling.
I am the only woman in the group who not only is not home-schooling, but also works full-time outside the home. (Unless there are more of you in hiding, like I was!)
I was concerned/ nervous / apprehensive. (It was a confusing couple of days.) But – - after checking with Amanda to make sure that the book itself was not necessarily about homeschooling, and the principles discussed could be applied to any and all people, I decided to stick it out. (Even if I never said a word in the facebook group.)
And then something happened. I got brave. I swallowed my nerves (due largely in part to a an overly zealous pro-homeschool article that I probably should never have read considering my position as a teacher in the public schools) and introduced myself to the group. This is what I don’t understand: I was already friends on twitter with many of them. I already loved them. Never once did I feel questioned or judged once they learned that I was a teacher, outside of the home, to children who are not my own. So why was I so scared? The answer? I am a human, recovering good girl, that is doing the best I can trying to follow my Savior God with everything that I am, knowing full well that our path is not typical.
I read the introduction and learned that Rachael had been a teacher. A devoted teacher in love with her career. So I knew that she would understand. In the introduction she also shared that this was their journey and never insisted that that anyone else’s look the same. I found immense comfort in her words. I loved her writing style, and how it felt like a chat with a friend.
Chapter one was awesome. It was so reassuring in so many ways. It was also convicting, eye-opening and inspiring all at once. Entitled “The Heart of the Matter,” it addresses the true issue - – - our own relationship to Christ. The most beautiful example she used was of the caterpillar and its metamorphosis into the completely different butterfly. Not one speck of that creature remains the same in its transformation. Like that caterpillar turned butterfly, we are a new creation in Christ. The old has gone, the new has come. Amen, and amen.
I was encouraged and inspired as she mentioned praying before their schooling time, and how He provided, above and beyond the direction that she asked for. I always run the Lord when we are dealing with behavioral issues, and our oldest is very receptive and responsive to the prayers. But it was an important reminder to be continually, and intentionally praying. Covering each situation in prayer before it happens.
I am thrilled that I joined the book club! I am excited to keep reading, and can’t wait to see what everyone else has learned!
I’m so glad you stuck with the book and the book club. I love hearing your perspective as a non-homeschooler. These things go far beyond how you to choose to educate your children. It’s about discipling our kids, whatever the situation.
Amanda @ ThePelsers recently posted..Rachael Carman on Chapter 1 of HEART
I too used daycare for 2 years, part time pre-school, kindergarten for 1 of my children, and Catholic high schools. What I discovered was that the younger my children were, the deeper their needs were to know the Lord. If outside activities took too much of their time without learning the faith, we eventually eliminated them. So, by the time they entered high school they were ready to evangelize with others in a Christian environment because we were blessed through homeschooling in earlier years to pray to and serve the Lord every day.
Meredith, I just think you’re great. You already know that, though, I hope. I like that you took on the challenge of being part of this community. I, too, think of the Proverbs 31 woman, just like Katy, who commented. You do what you gotta do!
first of all- I love the butterfly- right up our alley!
secondly, I am so glad you joined up and also that you felt comfortable to share your heart – for every one who would ever say or think judgement on you (and others) there are 20 more who would step up to say – thank you for sharing and hugs and support!!!! This is about a desire to raise our children (God’s babies) with a heart for Him. I’d have to say (not that I’m judging) You totally fit that bill! and if you didn’t – it would be an even better reason to join us- I want the whole world to get hold of this idea of loving their children to God and loving God for their children – loving God first
Good job and good work! looking forward to knowing you better
kelli-AdventurezInChildRearing recently posted..Journey of a Lifetime – Falling in Love Again
I applaud you for teaching other children, beyond your own. This is only our second year home schooling our kids. I have worked outside of the home and {gasp} have used daycare. It wasn’t until a couple years ago, with our third child, did I feel led to home school. My oldest graduates from public school this year. So you see everyone’s path is different. Maybe you will home school, your kids, some day maybe you won’t. Whatever your path, I’m so glad you decided to join us. We’re all teachers, at home and at school {home school or public}. But most importantly we are all parents. =)
Many Blessings! ~ Jen @ http://www.gricefullyhomeschooling.com
Jen @ Gricefully Homeschooling recently posted..Chapter 1 ~ "How to Have a HEART for Your Kids {Book Club}
I am so glad you have joined us and this is great stuff you’ve written! Looking forward to hearing more! And I definitely agree – the topic isn’t for homeschooling mothers, but those who desire a heart for their children – we’re all the same whether we homeschool or not! Have a blessed day!
Lauren recently posted..Menu Plan Monday – January 16, 2012
Sounds wonderful! I’ll be anxious to hear more. You know, as another Christian woman who works outside the home and has actually (gasp) used daycare, I can understand your apprehension. But then I think of the that Proverbs 31 gal sewing scarlet robes and wheelin’ and dealin’ with the best of them and I feel a wee bit better and more okay. Not perfectly better, but a bit.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..Internet Security
Hey girl – I totally forgot about the facebook group – whoops!
I’m glad that you jumped in – and I want to tell you that you are schooling your little men every day
aurie recently posted..Having a HEART for Him!