Pool or Homeschool? Let’s Homeschool!
A young man (I’ll call him Timothy) recently shared with me the story of when his family began to homeschool.
Timothy is the oldest child in his family. He had gone to school for two or three years at the local elementary school when his parents wrestled with the decision of whether to start homeschooling. Both of his parents were working at the time. They decided that if they were going to homeschool their children, Timothy’s mama would quit her job.
At this same time, the family was talking seriously about putting in a swimming pool at their home. When Timothy’s parents asked him which he would prefer — getting a pool in the backyard or having his mom come home and be his teacher, the young boy didn’t hesitate. If the choice was his, he would come home and learn from his mom. His parents decided that was exactly what they should do and they did.
Timothy was homeschooled from that time through high school. He is now 23 years old, married, and very grateful that his parents made the decision they did. I have known Timothy and his family for many years. I have been encouraged by the way his parents reared and taught all their children. I even know a couple of his aunts and uncles, several cousins, and one set of grandparents. However, in all that time, I had never heard the story about how their homeschooling journey began.
Timothy’s family knew they were giving up a swimming pool. What they didn’t know then was the immeasurable blessings that would take its place.
There is gold, and an abundance of jewels;
But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
Proverbs 20:15