Pigs or Warriors

Pigs or Warriors

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:13-14)

Over twenty years ago, we felt led to make a scary decision. It was scary because we knew that our resources were inadequate. At that time, there were very few who would agree with us in this decision. Yet, it seemed like God was leading us to educate our children at home. Now, over twenty years later, the resources are almost overwhelming. But, when we started this project, there were less than a handful of companies producing books and curriculum suitable for use at home. My bride always wants to do her best so it was especially scary for her since much of the day to day responsibility fell on her. Instead of letting fear control or paralyze her, she sought strength, guidance and courage from the Rock of Ages.

This decision to teach our children at home did not occur over a few days, weeks or even months. We had an interest in Christian education which had led us to be involved in helping start a Christian Montessori preschool in Dallas. Later, after we moved out to the country, Ouida operated a preschool in our home involving our neighbors. There were four or five mothers teaching various subjects and learning to use Montessori resources with their children. Finally, we decided to try to start a Christian school. We advertised in many of the local papers but we were contacted by only one other family. Finally, we came to believe that God was leading us to start a Christian school just involving our own children.

With just a few months left in the school year, I took our oldest son out of fifth grade. The next year, our second son started fourth grade at home and, since then, the rest of our children have been educated at home. Our goal was not primarily to teach knowledge but to give our children honey for their souls – wisdom. Knowledge is important. But, if wisdom is lacking, it is like a gold ring in the snout of a pig. Contrast this pig with a man who has not only knowledge but also wisdom. He is like a strong warrior who knows how to use his weapons. Higher education can be helpful but what has a man gained if he gets knowledge in exchange for his soul. It is surprising to some people that, even in knowledge, home is sometimes better. One child was struggling with reading and math in public school and was close to failing. But with daily focused attention at home, we found the specific gaps in his knowledge and he began to blossom.

In the book, “Curdie and the Princess”, George McDonald wrote of Curdie, a young man who had the gift to discern a man’s character when he felt the man’s hand. Curdie could feel the paw, hand or hoof of the animal that the man’s soul was becoming. One man’s hand felt like a snake, another like a pig’s hoof and one like the paw of a wolf. Whether we use home education, private tutors, Christian schools or public schools, we want to recognize that, as parents, we have primary responsibility for our child's education. Even if we set the goal of producing a warrior, a pig may result. But, what if we don’t even have the right goal? What are we personally becoming? And, what are we helping our children and grandchildren to become – pigs or warriors?

Project:

• Ask God to give you, your children and your grandchildren a hunger for honey of the soul.
• Sincerely seek God's direction and He will give guidance (don't set up any "Off Limits" signs for God).
• Daily take time to personally find honey for your soul.
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