Why do you homeschool?”
I love to ask that question, because it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those I talk to. Each answer is as unique as the families they represent, for there are a myriad of valid and important reasons for a family to educate their children at home. As I’ve been asking, though, I’ve become more and more convinced of the importance of having a solid foundation for why you are ordering your life this way. It’s not always an easy journey and without a good base, you’re much more liable to wear out and give up.
Several years ago, the Lord started impressing on my heart that we needed to make that jump into the homeschool arena. I wasn’t convinced I was hearing Him right, though, for at the time my children were doing very well in an excellent Christian school. Why would we change course?
Still, the Lord persisted, and David and I prayed and researched and submitted. Ultimately we discovered that the reason God wanted our family to homeschool was the discipleship of our children. Our gracious heavenly Father made it very clear to us that our home was ground zero in His plan for us— to reach “Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost parts of the earth” with the good news of the Gospel…
Our Home Is Our Jerusalem
Our home is where we spend the most time pointing people to the Savior and equipping them to go out and reach others with this same good news.
Our children still do well academically, and it’s amazing how many great resources and curriculums are available to us! They are absolutely social beings, as my constant houseful of spare kiddos will tell you! But ultimately, our family home educates as a means to do as the parents did in Luke 18. We bring them to Jesus. “Let the little children come unto me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16) We daily bring our children face to face with Jesus Christ. Then, as a family we hope to reach “Judea and to the end of the earth.”
So, why did God call your family to homeschool? I would love to hear from you! As we are nearing the start of a brand new year, now is a great time to ask yourself that question and to feel more confident in your decision and your ability to follow God’s call for your family.