December 04, 2003
Nothing to Prove
Regardless of how long we've been home schooling, it seems there is always a dark cloud of expectation hanging over our heads. Our children are expected to excell beyond that of institutionally schooled students. Our children are expected to be as involved as possible in social activities, because everyone knows they aren't exposed to social situations often enough (!). We are, at times, questioned, grilled, or otherwise measured by how well our children read or how quickly they can calculate a mathematical problem in their head. Because we educate our children at home we are somehow suspect--as if we would allow our children to piddle away their studies in pursuit of video games and cartoons.
In the wake of such suspicions or questions it is easy to respond defensively or to run down the list of academics our prize students are acing. We rattle off their activities and punctuate their achievements. We emphasize their strengths and down-play their weaknesses. All of which can take an enormous amount of energy.
I read something interesting recently, however, that has been rolling around in my head. It was a short article about how Jesus never defended Himself. He never explained His motives or His reasons for what He did or the choices He made. He left His actions to speak for themselves, knowing in the end, some would see Him for who He was and some would not. I like that! Because no matter how hard you try to convince the skeptics, they will remain skeptical as long as they choose to do so. And in the end, it won't make any difference about the education my children receive. I'm still going to be the best teacher for them I can be. I'm still going to desire the best education for them and do what I can to achieve that result.
Those who support us will continue to support us because they see the results in our children and in our family. Those who doubt, question, and worry will probably continue to do so as well. The only thing that changes by my choosing not to defend our home school is my stress level. And anything I can do to decrease that makes for a great day!
So from now on, I plan to let the results speak for themselves. If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me! :-)
Posted by at December 4, 2003 12:24 AM
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Comments
Great thought, Mac. We get many of the same questions. I still believe my parents think we're nuts, though they're getting used to the idea that we homeschool.
Do you suppose that deliberately trying to be more like Christ would get you in trouble at a public school?
Posted by: Gary Petersen | December 4, 2003 04:57 PM