November 2006 Archives

Fruits of a Balanced & Early Education

I remember talking with Anne about the need to get busy educating our daughter Emily, who was only four years old at the time. I was concerned about her academic genius, but Anne opened my eyes to a few other priorities. She had recently watched a video by Raymond and Dorothy Moore, which emphasized the value of a balanced early education. They emphasized three priorities:

Teach your children to work
Teach your children to serve
Teach your children the basics in academics

It was a matter of trusting God’s ways in training up our children first as diligent workers, who can then add value to others through useful service. I was often tested to see the value in this when I would come home and see the immature fruit of smeared windows and mirrors as my children were first learning to clean them. I remember seeing Anne put socks on the children’s hands, having them dust the furniture as three and four year olds. Anne has been persistent in her training and we are beginning to see the fruits of our labors as you will see in the pictures below.