The Day of Small Things
For who hath despised the day of small things...Zechariah 4: 10a
It was an accepted fact that when my child turned five, I was to register her for kindergarten. Even though she was only three, I found myself worrying about it. I had an uneasy feeling about turning my precious daughter over to strangers. She was a joy and a blessing, and I wanted to remain an important part of her life.
My own experience with school had been less than desirable. I remember the loneliness and sadness I felt when I was forced into a classroom. My four younger siblings could stay at home while I, at six years old, was forced to leave each morning. I don't remember learning much, other than feeling alone. In actuality, all the good memories of my childhood are the times I spent with my family.
But God was gracious! And in 1983, an older woman who was in my circle of friends became the first homeschooler I had ever encountered. In a desperate attempt to regain her children emotionally, she stepped out onto this path. Having only seen a small advertisement in a woman's magazine for what is now a well-known homeschool curriculum provider, she called the number. They connected her with another homeschool family in the western part of our state, and my friend's only encouragement came through telephone correspondence.
Within one year I saw her children flourish. And since she didn't get thrown in jail, I started to consider this avenue for my own children.
The following year my daughter turned four, and I ordered a kindergarten curriculum. I rationalized to myself and my husband that it was only to give her a head start in school.
We had so much fun "playing school" that we finished the required workbooks in six months, putting her ahead of her peers. So we ordered the first grade books, and continued schooling at home. As each of her younger siblings came "of age", we added them, also, to our little school. In reflection, it was the happiest time of my life!
I'm not saying that we didn't have our struggles, but the good memories stand out far more than the bad. To be honest, I miss the ABC flash cards that lined our hallway, and the posters of geography, math facts, and presidents that hung on our kitchen and family room walls.
My oldest is now a beautiful, twenty-five year old, Christian, young lady who teaches music education in a high-school Charter School, while still maintaining a testimony for the Lord. God has truly blessed! This is the result of "the day of small things" and of small beginnings!
The Defender's Bible comments, "No work done in the name of Christ as led by His Spirit in harmony with His Word is trivial in the eye of God, for He can use small things to accomplish great things."
I still have many years left of homeschooling, as my youngest is only eight. By God's Grace I pray that all my children will accomplish great things for the Lord, and that my efforts in educating at home will not be in vain.
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of host." (Zech. 4:66)
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for providing wonderful memories with my children through homeschooling. Thank you for Your Grace that enables me to see it through. Help me to be faithful to the end with my younger children.
