Happily Back To School

Happily Back to School

by Jane Clark

     Recently I saw a commercial for Staples which featured a Dad shopping for his children's school supplies.  He was dancing down the isles, grabbing supplies while his children stood there, looking quite unhappy.  The message behind the commercial seemed to be, how good it will be to have these children out of our way.   Unfortunately, the world views children as inconvenient and the school as the answer to the tedious days of parenthood.  How sad.  

     Children are a blessing from the Lord and the fruit of the womb, his reward.  As the "school year" begins, I also look forward to it with joyful anticipation.  But, not because the children are sent away to be educated elsewhere!  I want the joy of exploring the world through their eyes once again, sharing the fellowship of learning and the struggles.   We will be creating memories...  growing closer to God and each other.  

     I don't know why it is, but summer seems to get away from me... each of us going our own direction.  The older my four children get, the harder it is to find time to connect.  Homeschooling ensures quality and quantity time with them.  It also guarantees that they have time for their mom and dad.    

       I have found that schedules and accountability  help me to make good use of time.  Yes, I am looking forward to school.  To reconnecting with my family.  That is one of the great values of home education.  I am grateful for the privilege.

     Looking at that commercial now, I think of all the parents sending their children away to school and think...

How much they will miss!  

- Jane Clark