Homeschool Blind Spots by Reb Bradley: Some Thoughts

I recently read Homeschool Blind Spots by Reb Bradley. It is an interesting read and can provide some insight into how we homeschool our children. I'm sure what resonated with me is not what would resonate with you, but thinking through some of the points in our lives...here are some of my thoughts...

1) Homeschooling gives us a tremendous opportunity to show our faith in action, daily, from moment to moment. But my faith, is mine alone. Just because I believe, doesn't mean I can force that faith onto my children. Phillipians 2:12 says, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Everyone is responsible for working out one's own salvation. My obedience does not seep into my children, but when I live it out, they see my love for the Lord. A genuine, heartfelt love that I breathe. A deep passion for living a life of love.

2) My children's successes are theirs, not mine. I share in them as in their disappointments, but as a friend would be excited for my joy and sad when I am down. Not as if those things belong to me, but my compassion for them draws me to feel their feelings. 

Their dreams are big, I follow along behind trying to be sure that they have the resources they need to try out those dreams. I have few expectations for their lives. That may sound strange. I do have hopes for their lives. I hope for a strong faith, a faith that can see them through the hardest of times. I pray their lives will be lived fully in gratitude and grace. But the path they take to get their concerns me little.

My children are not just becoming something new, they already are something. Something amazing and beautiful. Their lives have meaning and purpose now. I try not to strive for too far ahead, but live in the joy that this day brings.

3) It is all about love. I may homeschool for many reasons. But it is all about the love I have for them. My desire for them to grow in the strength that comes from a love, an acceptance of who they are, and a willingness to grow together. To be secure in who they are, who they were made to be.

4) There is no perfect formula for homeschooling or living for God. God breathes into everyone's lives differently. The way he has spoken to my family is not the way he has spoken to yours. 

One of my greatest sins is judgement...I am a perfectionist that has admitted it and am trying to let it go. Self-righteous judgement hurts everyone...me, my children, anyone I come in contact with. It makes my relationships about what I see as right and I view others judging me. This fear of judgement puts me in a position to care more for what the others think than God. 

Perfection is unattainable. I must not expect it of my children, now or ever, but I can live... "a genuine love for Jesus that was contagious (Matt 23:26)." If we focus on their perfection..."we can model for our children outward changes and easily fall into molding their behavior and/or appearance, while missing their hearts." ~from Homeschool Blind Spots

5) As a Christian parent, I am called to protect my children. It is a natural instinct to cover them. But as I am protecting them, I'm also watching for opportunities, opportunities for them without my shelter. Not that I am not close to them or abandon them, but instead my purpose is to allow them the freedom to make choices and learn of the consequences. 

Have you read the article? What are your thoughts? 

Wishing you homeschool blessings,


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