29 September 2012
Does Staples really sell an EASY button?
Parenting.
It is so hard - in more ways than I ever dreamed it'd be.
From learning how to keep a newborn alive, to sorting through all kinds of advice on how to handle the "terrible two's," to deciding what type of school to send your kindergartner to. These are the things I never thought about when I dreamed of having our babies.
Maida attended two Christian private preschools before starting kindergarten this year. Preschool is where she not only developed her social skills and learned to read and write, but she also started developing a relationship with God. Erik and I both witnessed her prayer life grow and her faith skyrocket through the roof last year as she matured from a toddler, into a school-age little girl. I took for granted the daily Bible readings they did in preschool and the special times her teacher prayed with her and for her. It wasn't until we entered into the third week of public kindergarten this year, that I have started to wonder if we've made a big huge mistake.
Deciding on public school for Maida wasn't a hard decision for Erik and I, initially. For one, private school costs money and public school is free. And for another, Erik and I both grew up in small towns where there was only one public school and everyone attended (and we both turned out alright :)). It wasn't until the other day when I overheard Maida pretending to be Mrs. Brown (her kindergarten teacher) reading a Bible story and praying with her class, that I started questioning our decision. She even said, "Mom, I am Mrs. Brown, and I am telling my class just how great God is!" It was at that point that I realized that Maida has no idea they aren't going to pray at school. They aren't going to learn about God's goodness or ask Him for His guidance and protection. It was at this moment that my heart broke. Am I ready to let Maida in on the secret that not everyone believes in God? Is it okay for her to know that not everyone prays and not all of her friends even go to church? There is something to be said about a Christian foundation to learning that most private schools lay down for their students.
What do we do now? Do we pull her out of a school she seems to love and a teacher and children that she's grown to know? Do we then suddenly plop her into a private Christian kindergarten, just to preserve her innocence a little bit longer? How do we keep her in public school and eloquently explain to her the realities of the world? How will we find the answers for her questioning heart and gently lead her young soul toward Christ, even when she doubts?
I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready for my baby, my little believing, faithful baby, to take this next step in her journey.
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I cant answer that for you of course but i think its good for kids to know not everyone believes in God and that its our mission to tell others about him. There are lots of stories we tell them from the ot and nt about non believers growing in their faith and i think its a good real life application when they make friends at school or come across different issues to then turn to the Bible with them and see how they can glorify God through these times and maybe bring someone to know him too. I'm not against private schools either but I think public schools can be a mission field and it doesnt have to be done by praying over the p.a. System or in front of the whole school but through individual relationships she will make. Those are some of my thoughts but i know it must be a tough choice and one I have already started being conflicted about!
ReplyDeleteIf your store has an Easy button could you pick one up for me? Our store is out. Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, good, tough questions. We wrestle with the same things. This parenting thing is tough stuff!
LOVED this post! I ask the same questions about Leah, now in first grade. What I do know is that we are called to be a light in this world. We can't be a light if we're tucked away in a closet. We can't grow if we're not challenged, that goes for our kiddos too. I struggle with Leah losing her innocence too...but our kids are sinners. Just like us. We need Christ and others need Christ. You will know when the time is right. It can be a good conversation, too! "Maida, God has a big job for you...He put you in your new school to help others' see Jesus." She already sounds like a leader, and that kids and teachers are drawn to her. What an opportunity for her to be a light...even if she doesn't really know she's being a light, but just making good choices and being kind, etc. I've found that my involvement at Leah's school has challenged MY faith and MY witness to other parents and teachers that don't know Christ. It's a WHOLE NEW SEASON for us mamas! I find myself remembering that I have to model my faith and testimony to those I come in contact with if I'm going to ask my 6 year old to do it too :) And the other thing I remind myself, to make it easier is that we could put Leah in a private school...but Satan doesn't steer clear of private schools, or homeschools or Christian schools. He's everywhere. BUT...God is bigger and when we choose to follow Him, He will make our paths straight. Thanks for this great reminder for me to help protect Leah's heart every morning in prayer...with her and when i'm away from her. This mama thing is HARD! You're not alone! I'm learing as I go even way down here in Dallas :)
ReplyDeleteWow, big questions. But God totally has this and He doesn't want you to worry. He loves Maida, loves her little (big!) faith and He will take care of her.
ReplyDeleteI second what the people above wrote. There are unbelievers in Christian schools and public schools. There are sinners in both places too. Most of our friends homeschool with some sending their kids to Christian schools. Very few use public school. But Jason and I will put Marin in public school and provide spiritual education at home and at church.
It's scary to think of all the ideas and behaviors she'll be exposed to that don't glorify God (beyond our own short-comings:). But I'm a little selfish in this area. Christians witnessing to me in a public school setting is how I learned about Jesus. I HAVE to witness back. And Marin and Jason do too b/c there are lots of people who know absolutely nothing about Jesus. They need to see us be the hands and feet of Christ. They need to see us turn the other cheek, be humble servants, and know that God answers prayer. Many of the parents in public schools have never experienced or even seen Christ's love in action. Food for new babies or when parents are sick, someone to listen to their struggles/fears and offer encouraging words, kid-watching for parents to run errands or do date-night, random acts of hospitality - all amazing ways to love on people.
That said, witnessing still needs to happen in Christian schools - sometimes an even harder task b/c things can be a bit more blurry in that setting. In both settings, it is exciting to have such instant relationships with other people to share our faith and encourage them.
You and Erik are great parents and know what is best for your Maida. I'll be praying for wisdom for you. :)