It’s hard to believe we are already into our third week of Advent.  Preparation for the coming of our Savior is not just a time to prepare our homes to welcome Him.  Even more so, it is a time for reflecting over the things that we need to work on in our own personal lives to better allow us to welcome Him into our hearts. 

With our first semester of homeschooling almost behind us, I’ve been mentally scanning over the activities and daily doings that we have done as a family.  As hard as it can be, I have tried to look over the past few months and see the things that I need to improve on, especially those involving my family. 

I’ve learned that I worry too much about them not learning the right thing at the right time.  Trying to make sure that they “know everything” causes the exact opposite to occur.  Letting each child learn at their own pace and style, with a gentle nudge now and then, has much better and more retentive power than cramming down as much information as possible.

I’ve also learned that I am not nearly as patient as I thought I was.  This is a daily struggle for me, especially with four children (and a loving wife) wanting my attention all at once! 

I’ve have learned that there is still much to the Bible that I am not aware of.  This was probably one of the biggest surprises to me.  I know I am not as well versed in the Bible as I should be, but in the back of my mind I thought I knew more than what I actually do know!  They have asked me many questions that I have had to look up or ask someone else.  They have also told me little quips from the Bible that they found interesting, and to my surprise, I had never noticed them before.  Having my children ask me questions about Jesus and the Bible has taught me to see things from a more child-like perspective, even though a lot of their questions and statements are so very grown up!    

I am looking forward to many more years of our family growing to love Christ more, and in turn, loving each other.  I hope in the coming years that we can all say that we have learned something from each other, and even ourselves.