An Encouraging Day

I was invited to speak briefly at a
homeschool co-op yesterday. It was
a definite pleasure to go and meet new
families who share similar goals.

What I did not anticipate completely
was how totally blessed I would be by
my conversations with the leaders of
this group. These are Godly ladies
who face real challenges of their own.

From these challenges they have gained
wisdom that was great to be reminded of.

I'll pass on one tidbit that has been
repeating itself in my head.

"You cannot allow yourself to compare
your children against each other."

Oh, how true this is.

I was struck by how often we, as parents
are tempted to do this. After all, isn't
this how we determine health of a baby.
We look to see how they measure up on a
chart...against all others in their age bracket.

Don't we have to take those mandatory achievement
tests that tell us where our children are on that
massive educational curve.

It is how we think.
We compare and contrast.

But, when it comes to our children and their
unique differences comparing them is not necessarily
a great idea.

We have three uniquely different children.
It is a good thing.

One is slow.
He moves slowly and is proud of it!
He gets things done in his own timing,
thinks things through before doing anything,
and generally makes excellent choices.

One is FAST!
Can't grow up fast enough,
can't get his dirtbikes to go
fast enough or fly high enough,
and has tendency to make quick
decisions. He gets a lot done and
is very popular for his outgoing
and fun personality.

The third is somewhere in between.
She has yet to show all of her
unique style, although I have to say
that this year is a big one for her.
She is stretching and growing both
physically and mentally.

So...as you can see...I can do comparisons
but I should stop that process when I pass
from recognizing differences that are helpful
to judging and criticizing because of those
differences...

I have to say that God knew what he was
doing. Two slow and steadies would make
a fast and busy person like me a bit nutty...
Two fast and impulsives would have me in my
grave already.
Yes, God got the
mix just right.

All of our children are unique and need to be
accepted and treated as such. Always striving
to bring out the best from those traits.

It is so good to sit with Godly women and just
chat from time to time. It brings out possibilities
for encouragement that would not happen any other
way.

Hope you are having a blessed day.
Homeschooling is not easy but it is
certainly worthwhile. We are, with
God's help, making a real
difference in the lives and futures
of our children.

Melissa shared this verse and an
excellent clip by Voddie Baucham in
her post this morning. Stop by and
say hello if you have time...

"Here O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words which I am commanding you today are to be on your hearts. Teach them diligently to your sons; talk of them when you sit in your houses and when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. They are to be bound as signs on your hands and frontlets on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Blessings,
Becky K.