Some time last year I remember reading the phrase "our family vision." To tell you the truth, even though I understand all three of those words, I had no idea what a vision for a family was. I was curious. Since that time I have figured it out. Through reading, through study, through God revealing a lot of things to me...I have a vision for how we want to raise our girls. I did NOT have a parenting vision or family vision when we first started. This is new.
But I am sure of it as I can be because it is grounded in scripture. Oh, I still have some questions about the specifics and we are still pondering some things that are far in our future, but I can safely say we have parenting goals now.
So how come no one is helping us with those?
All the time lately I find myself thinking, "this (fill-in-the-blank) is not lining up with our parenting goals." Why is that? Look, I don't expect secular organizations' philosophies to line up with ours. I understand we don't have to participate in them (and won't be next year!). But really, shouldn't someone, somewhere understand what we are trying to do with our girls? Where are the like-minded folks I read about everyone else finding?
I'm not whining...I'm just curious. It gets a little frustrating, but we will stand. Maybe one day we will find ourselves in a community of people who believe as we do. Maybe we are to be an example for others. I really don't know. I do know I am getting tired of feeling like an 0dd-ball. I don't want the girls to be upset one day that our family seems so different when I know there are plenty of others who think like we do...even if we don't know them personally.
And I'm beginning to realize that following Christ is not always convenient. But I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else.
I know you are desiring like-minded people in your real life life who "get" where you are coming from. I do, too. Even among those closest to us, who love God, we are viewed as extremists. So for now, I am thankful for my real life relationships and thankful for you guys, where I can "say" what I think and not be looked at as if I've grown a third eye :-)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Are there no people on the same page as you in any homeschool groups you are a part of?
We found ourselves in this betwixt-land last year when we made our "radical" move to pull the boys out to homeschool. The simplification process can be very complicated as ties are cut but bridges are maintained. We prayed for grace on both sides. God answered faithfully by providing the support where necessary as well as the standing firm. Be encouraged, He does bless those who draw near to Him.
ReplyDeleteHey, we should move our families next to each other. Then we can be each other's support group!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Brenda. Really, I do. Like Terry said, even in our group of Christian friends, we are a bit out there. So, for now, God :) and my friends on the internet are my source of strength. And, really, I feel more strong now in my beliefs than I did a year ago simply because I have been keeping in touch with you and people like you who share the same like-mindedness. So... thank you. :)
It absolutely astounds me how people can criticize Christians up and down, but if somone decides to homeschool who is another race or creed - that's their right.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have no support locally. It must be very, very difficult. Please know that we are behind you and we agree with you. If more people had a vision for their children, the world would be a better place.
God bless you.
Hang in there! When God send your support people, they will seem all the more refreshing, and you will be all the more thankful.
ReplyDeleteTake it all in stride. We are a peculiar people after all. :0)
Terry, yes...I can find people in our homeschool group who are like-minded about education. But I don't know if much else is the same. I haven't really gotten to know the people very well. We are not without support-my parents are very supportive. It's just a general oddball feeling. Like you said with the third eye and all!
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