Just reading and saying those words getting me a bit jittery. I have to confess to you I was once a world famous athlete. That’s right, I was the fastest kid at Tuckahoe Elementary School and in 1987 there was some steep competition. In fact, the toughest competition was sharing the bedroom with me.
My brother was not easily threatened. When Field Day came he was ready and I was . . . a bit cocky and unfocused. He dethroned me and I have lived in his shadow ever since. Just kidding, about the latter part. My brother did soundly beat me, though, and I think there are probably still some good lessons for me there somewhere and most certainly for my children and all of us as we begin a new year of home education.
Lesson 1: Competition is good, but it’s most important to compare ourselves to ourselves and to the standard God has given us in His word. By competing against our best we are best positioned to see and realize improvement. – Hebrews 12
Lesson 2: Focus outwardly. Reflection is good but don’t emphasize it too heavily in your children. By focusing our efforts on serving others we will be building a true sense of humility and selflessness. Focusing inwardly can lead to false starts, slipping, and forgetting the purpose of the race (to grow in truth and love). – Colossians 3:2
Lesson 3: See you children’s weaknesses this year and teach to them even if you share them. It is easier to teach to our strengths and to teach to our children’s strengths. When our children are strong in an area learning for them is simple, no motivation required. When we are strong in an area we can overcome their weakness. When both are weak there is a real opportunity for family learning at hand. Don’t be afraid to identify your weaknesses and those of your children. Pray for a plan and then put it into action! – 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
