If a person is called to, say, the ministry, or the mission field, it's because God has equipped them for such a calling. But a person who isn't called to be a pastor, frankly, shouldn't be one. Same thing goes for homeschooling. If you're called to it, do it. If you're not, then nobody should make you feel like less of a parent because of how God made you.

hahahah. Dang right. I am a college graduate, schooled at home until 16 (then I began community college and then transferred to a four year school). I work in a public high school now. Dang right it's a mission field and the more Christian adults that work in it, the better.

My kids will, God willing, not go to a public high school, but I don't disagree with the fact that strong Christian families/influences can counter the negative influences of private/public education.

But, on a serious note, these type of comments are often said to those of us who do homeschool. I wonder at the motive. To me it feels like a pat on the head to us simpleton homeschoolers. “Oh, I could neeevver homeschool my kids!!! You must have sooooo much patience.” Yeah, I am super sanctified. Just wait til you become like me and then you can homeschool too.

The reasons that people homeschool are myriad. But *generally* they are backed up with convictions. I personally have never met a homeschooling mom who has looked at her patience level and said, “Yep, I have arrived. The epitome of Christian patience is found in me. Lucky kids.” Quite the opposite. I am daily convicted of my unescapable lack of patience and sanctification while teaching my kids. I see in them my own sin reflected back. Thankfully it is Christ who is lifted up and not me or else we would all be doomed.

To echo those that said they would never HS, except the opposite: Personally, I would never put my kids in public school, except for when I did, which is why I homeschool.

Karin mentioned her poor SIL who is made to feel bad by those who homeschool. Believe me when I say that it goes both ways.

I agreed with Kathryn’s post except for the end, when she said that HS is more than just teaching your kids about Christianity. Everything in life is ultimately about Christianity. There is no area of life that Christ does not lay claim to. Everything we say or do, every decision we make is either pointing our children towards or away from Him. That is why it is necessary to think and consider the way in which we educate our children. What those considerations are, I believe, are between you and God but they still need to be made.

Thankfully, I think that we have finally found a church that walks a fine balance of PS’s, Pr.S’s, and HS’s. Although I do have strong convictions about HS, I want to avoid a church that is only HS’s. There is an elitism that can be formed on either end of the equation and it is dangerous no matter which side you are on. As Christian’s, we are called to be charitable even when people hold different standards then ourselves.

If my grammar sucks, or I have misspelled a word, please remember that part about charity. After all, I have been HS my 6 kids all day. (Okay really only 3 of them are actually doing school. But, it sounds like I am much more patient, gifted and sanctified when I put it like that.)

PS-Jon, you have provided my husband and me many late night laughs. We love your writing.