PrincipledMom™

As a mother, my view of training my children up is very emotional. My thoughts are toward my relationship with them, toward shaping them while nurturing that special relationship, which is not always easy. I love to think of my children as little lambs, and when I read the phrase that titles this post (by Mrs. Mercy Warren to her dear friend Mrs. John Adams), I meditated on what it means to be a shepherdess in my humble home. Taking my example from the Good Shepherd and from the wonderful little book A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23, I compared ways my home education is like shepherding.

Feed My Lambs (Jn. 21:15)

The lambs are completely dependent on the shepherd to lead them to good food. And that may not always be easy. First, you must know what good food looks like. It may look good at first, but when you inspect more closely you see it is not good for your precious sheep. It is our responsibility to feed the sheep God has entrusted to us.

Their nourishment must be consistent. They must have a steady diet of good food and clean water to be healthy and feel they can rest. Hit and miss meals will make for skinny lambs because they never rest and because they are malnourished. It is difficult to have your children master any subject if they only get a smattering of subjects and have no real schedule or educational goals. Here is a good place to insert your philosophy of education. Don't have one? Well, you better get started...

It must be enough to fill them up. Again, sheep do not rest if they are not full. It is not enough to lead them to good food. It must also fill them. And, as sheep, children can have a voracious educational appetite. If they crave more, give it to them. Not so much they throw up. Sheep don't overeat. Just lead them and let them fill themselves. They will stop when they have had enough.

It must contain the right nutrients. The sheep have different nutritional needs than chickens or snakes. They need what sheep need. Your children have unique needs, learning styles and abilities. Customize the diet and watch your children thrive. This is one of my favorite things about home education. Each child can receive just what he needs.

As the shepherd you must be kind and nurturing. They will not feed if they are frightened. Who wants to learn from a teacher who is sullen, angry or just indifferent? If you are a "lively teacher," if you have internalized the material and mastered its principles, then you know where to lead your little lambs. You know all the best little clumps of sweet grass for grazing and the coolest, most refreshing water. You lead them and let them eat and drink to their heart's content. Don't leave this task to others. As your sheep, you know what is best, because the Good Shepherd will also lead you by His Holy Spirit in this same way.

Feeding His sheep as I have described above, takes much time, prayer and dedication. Those who have made that decision are not superior or more spiritual. They have simply made a decision, chosen the road less taken. And that has made all the difference.

This is one of my favorite paintings (by Bouguereau).

It hangs in a local museum. I have a print of it in my art studio. It is inspired.

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