Tip for Teaching: Thank God

Years ago, I discovered that two of my children had learning challenges. Some would call them "disabilities," but I don't think in those terms. I wanted my children to be defined in terms of what they could do, rather than what they could not do.

A friend shared a bit of wisdom...and repeated it often.

"Thank God for this situation and pray for His guidance. Look for the blessing."

I had one child who was on the spectrum, couldn't tolerate noise or chaos, was easily overstimulated by lights, noise, touch and smell. He needed much guidance to complete most assignments because he was easily distracted. There was frustration and tears, as well as an unhealthy dose of fear. "Can I homeschool him?" "Are we doing the right thing?" "Why isn't he like Susie Homeschooler down the street?"

Long story short: God is faithful and He taught me many lessons in those hard times. I discovered that homeschooling was just as much for me as it was for my children.

Lesson One - If God has called me to homeschool, then He shall bring it to pass. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:24) Walking with the Lord in our homeschooling has been a huge faith booster in other areas of our lives.

Lesson Two - Never compare children, not within your family or outside your family. Never. It is a pointless and futile exercise that ushers in fear and unreasonable expectations.

Lesson Three - Always seek God's evaluation of every situation. Put down your own expectations and become a part of God's plan for your child. Thank God for this situation and pray for his guidance. Look for the blessing.

As I sought God for the guidance I obviously needed, He showed me what my journey with this particular child would entail. The Lord brought books to read, websites to visit, friends who had walked before me...and He blessed me with understanding and compassion for my young son. I adopted the Lord's vision for my child and He gave me the ability to sit next to him patiently, directing him from one problem to the next, training him in concentration skills. I relaxed and enjoyed the experience.

Teaching my son, in those early years, wasn't easy...but it was right and good. We both learned alot. He's now almost seventeen years old, a junior in our homeschool/high school program. He learns entirely independently, but he and I truly enjoy each other, sharing our hearts in discussion of literature, movies, politics, the economy and Christian life. He has also been the catalyst in helping me overcome my fear of Algebra. I thank God for my son, for every challenge and every blessing. Indeed, He works all things for good.

So grateful,



©2008 Y.M.F.