June 12, 2011  TEACH convention

  I had the wonderful opportunity of being a consultant at the TEACH convention this past weekend in Bloomfield, CT.  For those of you who may be unaware TEACH stands for The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers.  It is a fabulous organization that provides support for homeschooling families in the state of Connecticut.  I was blessed enough to talk to several families this weekend about their experiences, needs, desires and even fears concerning homeschooling their children. 

Some of my favorite opportunities are the opportunities to talk to families that are just starting out on their adventure.  I love their fervor, their determination, their great questions and concerns, and I love their vulerability.  It takes a lot, sometimes, for us as human beings to admit that we feel inadequate about something.  What it takes is humility.  Too often we want to have the idea, take the idea and develop it, and be the ones given all the credit for it...and that's that.  But, it is when we choose to be vulernable, humble that we really do grow.  No matter what your spiritual background or religious affiliation, pride is not something that looks attractive on people, but the humility of another human being can move us to tears. 

 Back in 1992 there was a track athlete by the name of Derek Redmond at the Olympic games, a medal contender for the 400M dash.  He just wanted to win a medal, Rick Weinberg of ESPN reported, ANY medal.  He had a series of less than desirable cirsumstances in other years concerning injuries.  This was going to be his year.  But, with 175 meters left to go in the race, well in position to move on to the finals, he pulls up with a hamstring injury.  At that moment, Jim Redmond, Derek's father races down to the track to his son who is on the ground grasping onto his hamstring, tears flowing from pain, but probably more so from disappointment.  At this moment, most athletes would have given up, too prideful to cross across that finish line because it wouldn't result in anything.  But, in humility, embraced by his father, Derek rises up and hops down the track on one leg to finish the race.  No, at that point, he wasn't adequate to win an Olympic medal but he was adequate enough to win the hearts of millions of people around the globe.  Micheal Johnson won the gold medal that year in the 400, but the story that now represents that of humility and perseverance like not many others, is that of Derek Redmond.

Click here to see the video: http://youtube/kZlXWp6vFdE

Do you feel inadequate as a homeschooling mom or even as a mom, period?  Are you worried about whether or not you have the experience, the talent, the patience, the organizational skills or the time?  DON'T.  Humble yourself. Put the pride aside and except help, advice, wisdom from all that is available around you--books, the internet, friends, family, support groups, church, co-ops, tutors, consultants, and many other resources. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable.  That is when you will learn the most. 

June 10, 2011

To homeschool or not to homeschool...