In the Biblical Principle Approach to American Christian education we use what we call the 4-R’s: research, reason, relate and record. If you want to know more about that, Shannon offers a nice synopsis, and so does Diane.  Did you know there is a 5th R? (at least in the Gospel according to Anna-Marie…)

This is important, especially for those new to home education, whatever your philosophy or methodology. It’s painfully simple (yes, painfully–as you will see in a moment) and so obvious that we seem to overlook it often times. The 5th R is REST. 

First you must rest in the Lord. Rest comes with trusting Him. And believe it or not, resting takes effort. It’s not a lay down and relax sort of thing (although that sounds REALLY good to me right about now), but it’s a resting, a waiting on God. In Hebrews 4 Paul says we must labor to enter into the rest God has prepared for His children. It does not come easy, especially to mothers. We must consciously make an effort to believe the Lord and to trust Him.

Then you must rest in your love for your children. Your mother’s love compels you to learn all you can about your child: their learning styles, habits, strengths and weaknesses, giftings, callings. This maternal desire to bond can be a wonderful tool in God’s hands. He will use that to make you a better teacher–and a better mother. And it will keep you striving, searching, seeking out the best materials and lessons. They will turn out well because you care and because you are making every effort toward shaping Christians who can reason from God’s Word.

Lastly, rest in the process. It will work if you will work it. Reasoning from God’s Word is the hardest thing you will ever teach your children to do. It will challenge you and magnify your own shortcomings (at least in your own eyes). Your children will learn to reason. They will also learn fractions and the circulatory system and Shakespeare because you will make sure of that. But don’t get so caught up in the mechanics of the Biblical Principle Approach that you lose your joy–and your sanity. Or at least give up and move on. Keep working, little by little. You will not BPA everything right away. It’s a process. And don’t think you are not “doing it right” or doing enough. You do what you can and when you know more you do more.

This new year I encourage you, mom to mom, to make an effort in 2007 to enter into that rest. If you feel you are called to teach your little lambs, then the Lord will help you on this journey. And as you enter into His rest you will find renewed strength, abundant joy and eternal hope.