A few years ago, after reading Senior High: A Home Designed Formula for the second time through, I sat down and wrote out Our Family & Homeschool Vision. It seems that at the end of every year I am questioning myself and wondering if we did enough, if we did the right things, if we did the wrong things, etc. Then at the beginning of each school year I wonder if this will be that elusive perfect year where nothing will go wrong, no major life traumas will occur to disrupt our schooling, the kids will behave like perfect angels, the high schoolers will suddenly realize their need for algebra and biology and no longer complain, and the dinner will make itself every night.
I needed focus.
I needed vision.
As a Christian home educator, I began with two Bible verses on vision;
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” Proverbs 29;18
and
“Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2: 2, 3
and
“Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2: 2, 3
From there I created a vision statement. I stated them as objectives, much as I was taught in Elementary Education classes, but I realized my main objectives were not all educationally based. For our family, our faith is the main objective and I ended up with the following;
To be a family abiding in Christ; to develop a lifestyle and method of education that encourages Biblical study and application, development of individual gifts and talents, and a love of learning; so that we may be an example and testimony of Christ working in and through us, thus glorifying Him with our lives.
I then listed what I believe to be our purpose in home educating. These include teaching, training, equipping and developing our children. Goals were the last item and I tried to list practical ways to implement the vision and purpose. For example, being aware of each child’s individual gifts, talents, and interests and providing the tools needed to develop these as much as possible.
I typed it up, printed it out, and stuck it on the refrigerator door where I was sure to see it daily. It was a great reminder for awhile. I would read through it and remember my goal of creating a peaceful and joyful home and I’d begin humming rather than cursing the fact that I had no idea what in the world to make for dinner that night. I’d see my ultimate goal and remember that success is often in the process rather than the product. I had vision and, although I never had that elusive perfect year, it was good.
Over time I forgot to read the paper and it became just another thing cluttering the kitchen. At some point it got shoved back to the side of the fridge...
forgotten.
I found it there yesterday.
I sat down, read through it, and realized I’d lost my vision once again. It’s been a few years and the details need to be revamped and renewed, along with my heart and my mind, but it reminded me of that vision, that ultimate goal. It’s not easy to restart once you’ve lost your passion but it’s doable. And I’m feeling that spark being fanned and am excited for the flames to ignite once again.
I’m ready to run on toward that goal.
Have you ever sat down and really thought about why you home school and what your purpose and goals are in this pursuit? I know we all started this journey for different reasons, but I’d encourage you to take a moment and jot down your reasons. Create your own Family & Homeschool Vision. And then keep it in front of you and draw encouragement as you begin this new year of teaching and training your children. Determine your goal and then run on out there and do it.
I’ll be there, running alongside of you.
This is the second post like this I've read this week! For one year now I've wanted us to write some sort of family mission statement. I think God is trying to help me remember this b/c he KNOWS how I need to stay focused:)
I like this part: "...remember that success is often in the process rather than the product."
Thank you for sharing and "running alongside" me!
Thanks for commenting. :-D
It took me years to actually sit down and do it and, as you read, I lost focus too quickly. I can be obsessive and scaterrbrained, sometimes at once. Yeah, I pretty much don't make sense but I'm used to that. ;-)
Let's pray this year we can focus on the process and our specific God given goals, one step at a time! :-)