Homeschooling - What's Important?

I am constantly coming back to this quesion as we continue to homeschool our children. Are we reaching for the goals? Do we even know what those goals are?

The first and foremost goal in my mind is that my children will grow up to be godly and desire to serve the Lord. Then along with that is the goal that our daughter will learn the skills and develop the character necessary to be a godly helpmeet to her future husband or to support herself, should God call her to singleness. We want our boys to develop a strong work ethic and the skills necessary to support a family. We also want them to be spiritually grounded so that they may lead their family in the ways of the Lord.

Homeschooling is so much more than academics. It is character training and spiritual training, both of which come greatly by example. This is where the rubber meets the road. This is where focused parenting comes in. Habit training needs to start with me, my habits. It is important that I have good habits in order to model them.

Even though homeschooling is much more than academics, they will play a strong role in meeting the goals of our homeschool. By working at their academic studies, the children will learn diligence in study, and they will be exposed to a broad and rich curriculum. This will help them to develop into a well rounded person. Carefully chosen courses will help them to pursue their life and career goals. This in turn will help them to develop the ability to support themselves and eventually a family.

In my mind all of the above mentioned are important, but the spiritual is of the most consequence. After all, what good is it for them to gain the whole world but lose their souls?

These questions are pondered often in our home. Evaluating and re-evaluating what we are doing, how we are doing it and why. I don't know if we will ever be totally at peace with where we are but maybe that is good and will keep us from getting out of balance.