Lifelong Learning

One of my favorite stories to tell is about my grandfather who was about 2 months shy of reaching 101 years old when he died. He taught Sunday School almost to the very end of his life. Often when I would come to visit as a young seminarian and pastor, he would share with me the new insight he had gotten into Scripture as he studied for that week's lesson. Among a great many other things, my grandfather was a lifelong learner. 

To be sure, most of us are in a very busy season of life. If we aren't working to provide for the financial needs of our family we are trying to keep our heads above water on this homeschool/hybrid-school journey. Then there are the myriad other church activities, family activities, sports, and so on that vie for our attention. Trust me, I understand the challenges of this time in our lives. Despite that, I want to challenge you to continue your own education. No, I don't mean that you need to go back to school...unless you want to! What I mean, is that as we pursue a classical education for our children I believe it is incumbent upon us to continue to learn as well. 

If nothing else, you children are presented with a veritable smorgasbord of high quality literature as a part of their Oaks experience. If you aren't already, try reading some of their books along with them. This is especially important for Upper School parents who aren't necessarily reading aloud with their kids on a regular basis. I know as a teacher it has been a rich, eye-opening experience to read and re-read some of these classic works, some of which I was supposed to have read in high school! 

If you find it exceptionally hard to take time to read, try out a good podcast or two. I have learned so much just by listening to people who are experts in their field, or veteran homeschoolers themselves. This is one of the great benefits of the time in which we live, there is an incredible amount of information available to us, at our fingertips. I'll post a link to some of my favorite podcasts below in case you need a place to start. 

Whatever you do, please don't be satisfied with your kids getting the education you wish you had, take the opportunity to educate yourself in this magnificent world we call classical, Christian education. 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Christian Herring