Homeschooling success was at the forefront of my mind as I recently attended a high school graduation. This event was not just any graduation; it celebrated the achievements of 58 homeschool graduates. Their journey is a testament to the dedication and sacrifices made by both students and parents. These families chose a path of Christian faith and education, intertwining spiritual lessons with academic learning.
Homeschooling Success Data
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, multiple studies show that homeschooled students score above average on standardized tests, regardless of their parents’ formal education level or family income. They also tend to perform well in college.
Many studies underscore the legitimacy of homeschooling as an educational option and its potential benefits regarding academic performance and social development.
Messages in Our Homeschool Commencement
As we celebrated homeschooling success, we were also taught some pearls of wisdom. The commencement address offered profound advice, emphasizing the transition from parental guidance to a more consultative role. Parents were encouraged to listen objectively and guide their graduates in making life decisions, always considering the importance of prayer and guidance. This approach helps recognize God’s voice in daily life, a skill crucial for navigating the challenges ahead.
In this significant life moment, the teachings of the Good Shepherd were ever-present, reminding us of the value of biblical teachings in daily life. The experience was a powerful reminder of the impact of homeschooling success, not just in academic achievements but in shaping well-rounded individuals grounded in faith and wisdom.
Take Away for Parental Guidance
The speaker pointed out to the parents that since their children are now high school graduates; they may now come to them for advice on bigger life decisions. The speaker advised parents to respond as “consultors, ” not as a parent. He suggested that parents:
- Listen objectively to the situation or problem
- Probe with questions to gain clarity for all parties
- Frame their response in words that are not dictating nor directing a decision. But, rather, they should respond with words like, “Well, this is what I would do….”
- Urge the child to pray over the problem or situation and take the situation to God.
- Encourage the child to ask God for guidance and direction as to His will in the matter.
Spiritual Message for All
Frankly, I think this advice is valuable for everyone. He continued by explaining if we learn to take our small- and medium-sized problems or situations to God, we will train ourselves to recognize God’s voice. This recognition is crucial when we ask for God’s guidance during those big and jumbo-size life situations. If we don’t train ourselves to hear God’s voice in the little things, then we certainly won’t know when He is calling or guiding us during those major life-shattering problems.
These comments led me to remember a recent Sunday Gospel reading from John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” These words point out how important it is to learn the voice of our Good Shepherd. He will call us out of the “valley of the shadow of deat
h” (Ps. 23:4) that plagues our earthly existence. His voice will lead us to the “green pastures…still waters.” (Ps. 23:2)
Unfortunately, today’s world is filled with situations that can pluck us out of our Good Shepherd’s hands by listening to the wrong voice. So, how can we train ourselves to learn the Good Shepherd’s voice? Let’s return to the commencement address.
First, by continuously praying every day, not necessarily long prayers. We can all find “downtime” in our lives when we hurry and wait, like sitting in traffic or waiting for the train or bus. When we water our flowers or grass, we can talk to God and tell Him how much we appreciate the beauty of His creation. Or we can tell Him how much we need rain from His Heaven to make the garden more verdant and colorful. Another example is talking to Him about a small decision we must make at work. Ask God to send His Holy Spirit to guide us in our actions or words. Then, we must be quiet and still so that God’s voice can penetrate the noise of our lives.
I think these are the little things that the commencement speaker was referencing. These are the little things that help train us to learn the Good Shepherd’s voice so that we may follow Him as we journey on our lives’ paths.
Don’t Despair if We Fall
But what if we don’t recognize Christ’s voice? What if we are misled and make a choice that takes away from Christ? There is comfort in knowing that the Good Shepherd will look for us and rejoice over finding us. He told us:
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”(Matt 18:12-13)
The Good Shepherd will put us on His strong shoulders and carry us back to the fold. We will rejoin the flock, find solace, warmth, and comfort with our brethren, and remain under the Good Shepherd’s watchful care.
Ah, yes, the words spoken at a high school graduation have much wisdom for us all. The wisdom is divine when we frame them within the context of God’s Holy Word. This beautiful prayer frames my thoughts perfectly:
Jesus, you’re my Good Shepherd
You know and call me by name.
I hear your voice and know you are near.
Bless me.
Care for me.
Be my guide.
Protect me.
Comfort me.
Stay by my side.
Lord, your love holds me close
And leads me day by day.
Let me always hear your voice
And follow it, I pray. Amen
Although we were there to celebrate homeschooling success, we were all taught some valuable lessons for life.
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Spiritual to LIFESTYLE & MUSINGS on 09/14/2023.
