Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope you are doing well as another school year begins. I have been challenged over the last month as I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians 13. I have been thinking about how this passage denes family relationships. I would like to share some of my thoughts and struggles with you.

I love my kids. If anyone were to ask me if I love my kids, my answer would be an immediate “yes.” However, what if I were to apply Paul’s definition of love (1 Cor 13:4) and reword the question like this: Is my relationship with my kids defined by an abundance of patience and kindness? Am I quicker to judge my child’s motives or to offer forgiveness when they make mistakes? Do I keep a scoreboard of those mistakes? Questions like this cause me to hesitate before answering that original question. Now I am forced to re-examine how WELL I love my kids. I am fully aware that there is no such thing as a perfect parent, but I must also remain vigilant in acknowledging my shortcomings as a parent. I am challenged to walk with God and before my children in a worthy manner. (Col 1:9-10) Scripture urges me to walk in humility and forgiveness, giving grace to all. Why is this so important as a parent? Because I am trying to set an example that I hope my children will follow; an example of what it looks like to live a life of repentance which bears fruit. (Matt 3:8, Gal 5:22-23)

As a parent who now has children currently ranging from adult to teens to newborn, I have been given a multitude of opportunities to prove my love for my children. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to find out that patience and kindness are not my default response. I have had plenty of opportunities recently to discipline my children. It seems that the bigger they get, the bigger the mistakes. In most of those opportunities, I have found myself needing to apologize for responding poorly and to share my past where I made many of the same mistakes that my children are making. What I am learning through all of this is that God’s grace really is sufficient in every circumstance. (2 Cor 12:9) Humility, an apology, and (age appropriate) straight-talk go a long way in building trust with your children. These same things also build their faith when they can see that God has forgiven you and blessed you after making some big mistakes. Paul knew what he was talking about when he said that God can work all things for the good of those who love Him… (Rom 8:28) He can take your past mistakes and turn them into wisdom, ministry opportunity, and even tools for relationship building with your children. What an amazing God who saves us and then uses us to bring others to salvation… maybe even our own children. Homeschooling has so many possibilities and benefits. I encourage you to take some time to reflect and learn to love your children better.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President