ABC's of Homeschooling: D is for Dedication

D is for Dedication

DEDICATION, n.

1. The act of consecrating to a divine Being, or to a sacred use, often with religious solemnities; solemn appropriation; as the dedication of Solomons temple.

2. The act of devoting or giving to.

3. An address to a patron, prefixed to a book, testifying respect and recommending the work to his protection and favor.

In the public school setting we have all remembered or even participated in the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) as a volunteer. When we first started homeschooling, yes, there was a moment of feeling out of the loop so to speak (public school), but now I realize that I am the ultimate PTA member. LOL!! I read this on another homeschool mom's blog. I just had to laugh!!

We volunteer our entire time to our children's education. No PTA member here. Look, I am not trying to start a debate, because homeschooling is not for everyone--I know. But I wanted to highlight that there is a difference.

It takes DEDICATION to do this (homeschooling). I found out quickly and I have seen both sides of the education spectrum. Now that we do homeschool, I see the differences in our lives and in their education as a whole and I know my husband and I made the right decision for our children.

Dedication. I like the 2nd definition above: The act of devoting or giving to. --It completely sums up a homeschool family. We devote our time, energy, loyalty to the family and ultimately to God. We give to our children because that's what the Bible says a family should look like. We give that obedience to God and not looking at the present day, but the future of our children's body, mind, and souls.

It takes dedication everyday to have a successful homeschool. I believe that with all my heart. Yes, somedays are really bad, but most are extremely successful. We completely enjoy it. It's not easy-pesy, but life in general isn't either, right?

This poem is hanging on my wall...

A Teacher's Meditation

Does school consist of pen and books;
Of paper, ink, and row of hooks?
Or is it walls with posters bright
And windows tall to let in light?

Could rows of desks with chairs to match,
Some gloves and bats with balls to catch,
A teacher's desk of wood or steel
Be called a school, complete and real?

Oh, no! A school must have a heart;
Some students with a course to chart;
Young minds to learn the way of truth;
Young lives to mold in their youth.

A school must have a teacher too,
To love and guide in pathways true;
To teach his charges of God's way,
WIth math and English every day.

Lord, grant me then Your wisdom fair.
Do keep me in Your love and care.
Lord, as You taught while here on earth,
So let me teach true love and worth.

John David Martin

It takes dedication to do that successfully.