As America was struggling to become a new nation, a room full of wise, honorable men were gathered trying to form a Constitution to set down laws and structure to ensure the freedoms they had left their homes for and fought with their lives for would stand fast for their descendants. Among these men were great names from history, including George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin.
At the time of the signing, Benjamin Franklin was 81. He had proven himself as a leader of men during the colonies fight for freedom and from oppression. After days of deliberation and an inability to come to a consensus on the points of the constitution, tensions were high and hopes for a favorable outcome were low. Franklin stood before the men and said the following:
“Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”*
In schooling our children, we may not be building an empire, but we are certainly doing an important work. One that He cares about. I believe He does not care how it is done, as long as it is done with love and that the basic morals and character traits that will raise a strong generation are taught to our children.
For some, that might be through homeschooling. For others, it will be a traditional public school. Some families will have some children at home and others at school all day.
Right now many find themselves with an impossible decision – send their children to school where they could potentially catch a life threatening disease that they share with their family all while doing a hybrid distance learning/time at the brick and mortar school masked for the entire day OR turn to homeschooling. I’m sure many have looked at this decision in terror. “Make my 7 year old wear a mask all day?!” “Teach my kids myself?!” These questions leave parents with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. Frankly, it is hard to choose from two equally difficult options.
That is where the Lord comes in. He knows YOU. He knows your CHILD(REN). As you seek His counsel He will lead you to the answers for YOUR family and for each of your individual child(ren). I have been stubborn and tried to do it all on my own. I have humbled myself and sought guidance. I can assuredly tell you, the second is easier. He will hear and He will answer. If schooling your children at home is the best choice for your family, especially during this crazy time, He will help you know how to find success in that journey.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7: 7-8).
*Specific quote text was pulled from The Good and The Beautiful, History Year 2, pg 138.
