It's not only about the kids.
Posted by:
Tricia Goyer on
November 1, 2007 at
2:19PM EST
I've been homeschooling for thirteen years. Kids are now 18, 15, and 13
and my oldest is graduating this year. (Although we are in the process
of an International adoption, so I'll be starting all over in a few
years!) Anyway, during this time my husband and I have felt God's
leading in towards ministry. My husband works full-time, out of the
home, yet God led us to start a dynamic, weekly children's ministry at
our church. John writes the curriculum, and the rest of us help as
actors or with sound/lighting. We've done this every week for the last
ten years.
Also, when I was pregnant with my youngest, I felt
God's leading to start writing. Since that time I've written fourteen
books that have been published by houses such as Zondervan and Thomas
Nelson. I write both historical fiction and non-fiction books
concerning parenting, marriage, books for teens, etc. I also write
regularly for Focus on the Family and other national magazines. I also
helped to start a crisis pregnancy center in our town in 1999, and
volunteered there for many years. My children helped through remodel,
babysitting for teen moms, etc.
There were times when it was
hard balancing it all ... but I also feel that we, as homeschooling
parents (or all parents!), do our kids no favors when we neglect to
follow our God-given dreams. In fact, I feel it has benefited my kids
to see me seeking God, setting goals, and accomplishing my dreams
through God's strength. They see lived-out examples of how one person
can reach many, and they've witnessed and people blessed as a result.
They shared dinner with teen parents, have visited with WWII vets, and
have "proofed" my books before they go to print. Their lives are
enriched, and they've seen God at work.
So what about you? Have
you bought in to the lie that you'll do something for God "once the
kids are older"? If so ... what a shame. Just think of what an example
you can be TODAY. Just think of how seeing God at work in your can mold
YOUR children's future!
