Commencement

A song to listen to as you read...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk6gdX1WCd8

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:5

This has been the prayer of my heart for all my children.  So much so, that we committed to school our children at home. We always approached learning as fun and explorative together, always within a biblical worldview.  It has been an honor to be present for the "aha moments" all these years for all 5 of our children during their primary education.  It has been a challenge to wrestle through the difficult concepts, differing opinions and social challenges of this calling.  Yet, I'm so thankful for the opportunity and desire to run this race. 

Let's compare our form of education to Jesus' for a moment as in the book, Twelve Ordinary Men.  "Jesus discipled the twelve, taught and then released them.  They listened to Jesus, asked Him questions, watched how he dealt with people and enjoyed an intimate fellowship with Him in every setting He encountered.  He encouraged them, lovingly corrected them and patiently instructed them.  It wasn't just information passed on, it was one's life invested in another."  Relationship.  We too, have learned so much more than just book work.

It is exciting to be at the point where we celebrate the accomplishment and the commission of another child.  We pray that His Holy Breath may enflame this new graduate's commencement into this new phase of life.  No matter what profession he may end up pursuing, we know that on this day, we are definately sending him out as a teacher - an example of our witness to others, teacher to our grandchildren and great grandchildren (whether they personally home educate or not) and will know all the years, tears and prayer we poured into his life will prepare him for whatever God has for him as he moves forward.

Josh, my son, we are so proud of who you are.  As we turn to celebrate this rite of passage, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and are in awe of how He directed your education, events and people who also participated along the way.   I am humbled by the fact that inspite of my shortcomings, we have been so blessed.  Remember Proverbs 9:10:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

and Proverbs 24:3-4:

By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established, by knowledge it's rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

With a thankful heart, we look ahead with faith and want you to know how much we love you and wish you the richest of treasure and blessing in the days and experiences to come.

Press in and Press on my child, love Mom.

Giselle