Solidified

The definintion of solidified: To make solid, compact, or hard. Make stronger; reinforce.

I felt like I have received some "solid, strong" advice in regards to home schooling recently. I was talking to a mom who has home schooled her kids for a few years and still has managed to have a very trendy, social, and smart family. I had to know her secret. You know, since my idea of home school families is of those who only wear jumpers and suspenders. I know, it is a ridiculous judgment. I am working on it. : )

Anyway the advice was that I need to KNOW why I am home schooling. And once I know why then everyone else opinions no longer matter and I don't doubt all the time what I am doing because I know why. Her family is a lot like mine two girls and a boy and some of the same temperaments. She said she loves that they are so close as a family and that they do everything together. Which really, after all I might think and say, I really love that too. I hated sending my son to school everyday for 7 hours. I did not like that he was under everyone else influence more of the day than he was my own. Not that I want to control him or anything but I want to be the one choosing what he learns and helping direct him. My son also hated going to school, he wanted to stay home and be with the family. He did not like that his sisters got to stay home and have family time and he was shipped off with strangers. It has taken me awhile to accept this about him, and come to the conclusion that home school might be just the thing for our family. For our temperaments , for our personality, for our lifestyle. And that is ok. We are making the best choice for what is right for our family at this point in time.

The lady I was talking to also shared how instilling in her kids a deep love for God and others is the most important thing for them. Sure if they were really smart, and athletic, and socially acceptable, that would be great too, (which they are). But she would rather have home schooled kids who are a little "off" according to some but are totally in love with Jesus and following after him. That is the most important. And her kids are not "off" by any means.

I chewed on this information for a few weeks, while I was still processing our decision and trying to settle into the idea that this is what our life will look like for a least the next year. And for the first time since my son started kindergarten, I felt peace and excitement. This is the right thing for us. And I would have NEVER chose to do it without being put in a situation where I had to make the choice. But I am really looking forward to starting school and spending time together and continuing to teach my kids about God so they can love him and love others. I know it will be the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am content with our choice. It has been solidified for me.

Whew.