Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris:
The two words “graduation” and “commencement” show two important aspects of what happens when a student finishes high school. An end to one major stage, and the beginning of something new.

A few years ago, I used 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 for a baccalaureate message to the Patrick Henry College graduates. It reads, “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

This passage applies just as much to parents and homeschool graduates as it does to professors and college students. Godly parents are the first and best teachers and guides.

So what have they done? They have exhorted their children. This is the idea of drawing someone close to you so that you can give them the wisdom and instruction that can only be given and accepted in a relationship of love and trust. We exhort our children to follow God’s truth wherever it leads them.

Godly parents have also comforted their children. The reason that moms are such good teachers in the homeschooling process is that they always love their students. Comfort can only be given out of a heart of love.

Next time, we’ll talk about the third task of a parent—charging their child for the future, as they commence the next stage of life. I’m Mike Farris.