Michael Farris:
When a family begins homeschooling, there's a sense of excitement about the potential results. They look forward to seeing the fruit of godly character in their children's lives. They anticipate great academic success.
As any farmer knows, a fruit tree takes years to develop, and much patient tending. The fruit of godly character takes years to develop, also. If parents expect to manufacture the perfect family after a few months of homeschooling, disappointment and frustration will result.
I've heard the saying that frustration is the gap between expectations and reality. Parents, if homeschooling frustrates you, could it be due to unrealistic expectations? Are you looking for fruit before you've pruned, weeded, and fertilized?
God is not surprised by the reality of our homes, and he wants us to persevere and avoid discouragement. The key to success is keeping your eyes focused on God's grace for each situation, his standards for behavior, and his solution for failure. Reproof, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration are the tools required for a high fruit yield at harvest time.
Galatians 6:9 says, "Don't grow weary in doing right, for we will reap at harvest time if we don't give up." Perseverance and a realistic vision are the keys to the godly harvest you envision for your family. I'm Mike Farris.
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