Greetings PAACH homeschool families. I hope you have been enjoying some summer adventures together. Our family had a good time at my oldest daughter’s wedding. We’ve also been very busy working on our new house and we have all been learning new things there. One big lesson we have all been learning together is the importance of diligence. Homeschooling and good family relationships require diligence. As many of you are likely preparing to start another school year, I want to share a couple encouragements.

In his book Studies in Character, Dr. Steve Scheibner says that “diligence is the difference between a job finished and a job well done.” For many of us, our nature is to just get the job done and worry about the details later. My family is seeing the results of skipped details as we renovate a 120-year-old house. Skipping details and maintenance leaves gaps and allows little nasties to get in and do damage. Much damage cannot be seen until something completely falls apart and must be rebuilt. Relationships are damaged and slowly destroyed by this approach because of the little nasties like bitterness and anger that can sneak in, eroding away our trust and love for one another. The point here is that when it comes to your spouse and your children, it is very important to pay attention to and take time for those little details. As your children grow and get a little older, they can become more capable of doing schoolwork themselves. Staying engaged with them in their learning can get a little harder, especially as you start tailoring some of their class choices toward their own individual interests. One of my boys is really into coding which is way outside my head space, but he still needs affirmation in what he is learning and who he is becoming.

Dads, we need to be diligent in affirming our kids and engaging them with the gospel. They need to know who they are in your eyes and, more importantly, in God’s eyes. Paul encouraged Timothy to be diligent in several very specific things. He told Timothy to “practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Tim 4:12-15) Those things included: (v12) setting an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity;” (v13) devoting yourself to publicly reading scripture, encouraging, and teaching; (v14) using your God-given gifts. Dads, it is vital that you are diligent to lead your family in times of scripture reading and encourage them to respond to the gospel and grow in their faith. Moms, be diligent in nurturing the gospel seeds planted in your children at every opportunity throughout the day. Parents be diligent; love and encourage your kids to the best of your ability. Also, be diligent in your own studies as you look to scripture and other spiritual teachers to learn new ways to do all these things. I pray your family continues to grow together.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to see your family thrive and be a testimony in this broken world. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President