A concerned family member said to my husband a few days ago, "Socialization is important. It's what you get in school; it's the socialization that's missing when you homeschool. . ."
Socialization, huh? Mmmmm. . .so many thoughts swirling around in my head. . .but here is what I will share. . .
Husband and I are not convinced that "socialization" must have its foundations laid in the halls of a school building. . .the Lord has matured us in this area. We used to think that going to school would be a great place to offer our children the valuable experiences of dealing with conflict, learning to be your own person, and so forth. Don't get me wrong, school very well can be a place to learn many valuable lessons, for our God is great and He does all things well. . .
Speaking personally, what we have learned is that these experiences can also be learned right here at home, under the authority of God's Word. (Anyone with siblings can tell you that there are numerous, daily opportunities to learn about conflict resolution!) As a Christian family, all things (socialization included) must have its foundations laid upon the One who laid the foundation of the earth. . .Jesus Christ. This is paramount. We are learning that when we choose Christ as our foundation for what we do each day, it becomes increasingly difficult (and unappealing) to conform to the "norms of society". . .it is okay with us if others think our children are ""different, strange, and unusual." Here's why:
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a peculiar people;
that you should show forth the praises of Him
who has called you out of darkness
into His marvellous light;" -I Peter 2:9
. . . so if we are teaching them the things of God, my children should be "different" from what society thinks is "normal"--including the way they socialize.
What the Lord is showing us is that He gave us our children not only to love and care for, but most importantly, He gave them to us for the advancement of the Kingdom. . .teaching them to live for Christ and His purpose. The Lord is showing us that too often we (meaning my husband and me) have taken a worldly view and we must follow these important instructions:
"And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God." -Romans 12:2
Yes, I want my children to be productive citizens in this society. Yes, I want them to be able to interact well with others. Yes, I want them to feel comfortable in their own skin. Yes, I want them to have great friends. But above all, I want my children to know Jesus Christ, know Him deep and well, and to seek to do His will, even if that comes at the expense of not being "socialized" according to the world's standards.
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