Imago Dei ~ Sarah’s Story

Today’s post is the first in a new ongoing series called ‘Imago Dei. The Imago Dei series is all about you and your story as you have encountered the truly human things that transform us more into the image of our Creator. I first had the idea for this series shortly after launching this blog, but did not know exactly how it was to look. Then, I received a gracious gift, an email from a fellow Christian classical mom sharing her story. Immediately I was taken and knew that our series had found its form. Let the series continue.

Be blessed and enjoy this sister’s story.

Sarah D.’s Story

“This particular way of looking at classical education is new to me. A few months ago I stumbled across Cindy Rollins’ blog. I devoured almost every word she wrote and then moved on to Andrew Kern at CiRCE. I’m telling you; hot tears of relief and comfort washed over me, and continue to do so as I’m learning more. I need to keep hearing these things and be encouraged to keep my heart focused on the ultimate things rather than the tools. It feels so much more human and attainable than I’ve gotten from other classical education organizations I’ve encountered in years past. This will be our 9th-year homeschooling (shocking to type that!). I have always tended toward classical methods, but only now am I really “getting it” and loving it so very much.

I think the Lord had been preparing me for understanding what it really mean to learn and what education is all about. I had a revelation about the somewhat frenzied way in which we were living this past winter, and it paved the way for what followed. Through it, the idea of restfulness in life was moved onto my radar. I think that’s probably why all of this has grabbed me (science of relations?). I’m sure I’ve read some of these words before, but I was in the mind frame of “just tell me what I need to DO. Tell me what curriculum to buy, and I’ll methodically go through it,” so those words I may have read didn’t register on the screen of my mind. There was no hook there to connect to. Nonetheless, something just felt so wrong about that approach after a while, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. I thought it was me and, finally, I was ready to give up on the “classical” label because I was just so disgusted by what I felt was “rigor” for its own sake. Classical education wasn’t for me, apparently. I’d internally roll my eyes whenever a friend in classical education said the word “rigorous.” Or I’d feel weird and inadequate because I had no desire to do the things they were doing. I have to say, now that I have my priorities beginning to align with the direction I believe God would have me go (towards HIM), my relationships have improved and I don’t compare as much (although I’m always tempted!). I see that many of my friends really ARE teaching their children with their wholeness in mind and not just the SATs or college. I also see that some of them are very tired and frenzied and no matter what gentle encouragement or what links I send, they’re just not quite ready to receive a different way of looking at things, and so I pray, and realize that God has a different path for them right now.

And most of all, I feel like my life has a new and eternal purpose. It always did, but now I can begin to perceive it. All of this that I’ve been learning has applied to me just as much as it does to how I teach my children, and it won’t end, ever, not even in eternity.

As for how this all will work out in our home and school life, it is yet to be seen. If you have any inkling, please pray for our upcoming school year, that as we implement changes, we won’t be overwhelmed by them and that I’ll have wisdom to ease into things to prevent that. God, bless!!!”

Thank you so much Sarah for sharing. Your words are an encouragement to me. I pray blessings over your home and school. You have found the one-thing needful. Thank you.

[box type=”info”] Friends, I would love to hear your story as well. If you are interested in sharing contact me for more information. Blessings.[/box]