Sunday, May 4, 2014

Why Not?

"Would you pull your son out of high school, encourage him to get his GED, just so he could play professional ball? Just so he could earn money earlier?"

I didn't want to come down all "homeschool holy war," so, I waffled on my answer:

"Well, never 'just so he could earn money', and never for my own motives. But, I'm not someone who thinks that education is everything. It would depend on the situation. My concern was always what sort of people they would become."

Homeschool, Faith-Directed Lite. When, inside I was chiding myself and throwing back:

"Why not? See the truth is, I believe God has designed different people for different jobs. As a homeschool mom, I tried to teach my children how to reason Biblically, and spot God's will for their lives -- whatever it was. I didn't fill their heads with learning about Learning. I taught them to explore the talents and gifts God had given them, and to use those things as God led. I taught them that universities were a path to a goal, but never the goal itself. I taught that just because one has a doctorate, or an executive office, or a pension, or a rank, or a family -- does not mean they are operating within the will of God for their lives. It is God's direction one must follow, not simply the prescribed or socially acceptable path. So, why not?"

The Bible is chock full of folks who defied convention. Some who were destined for glory in this world, and walked away to walk with God. Others who were despised and considered the dregs of society, who rose to glory and splendor, even by today's standards. Life outside of Scripture reflects this as well. Below are listed some great examples and inspiring reads:

Joseph: Genesis 37-50

Moses: Exodus 1-Joshua 1

David: 1 Samuel 16-1 Kings 2

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, by Jonathan Aitken

Run, Baby, Run, by Nicky Cruz & Jamie Buckingham

Born Again, by Charles Colson

I encourage you to read and do a little thinking out of the box. Enjoy!