HOMESCHOOLING AN ARTIST

I remember when Brodie was younger, trying to squish him into the educational box. I thought that was the "right" way to homeschool and so I tried and tried. At some point frustrations and confusion led me to question God. Is this really what you intend for our homeschool? Is this the BEST way to homeschool an alternatively minded/artistic child? After all, God is the most genius Artist and He designed the (many) artists in my home in His image. Surely, He had answers to my questions.

I've heard it said in terms of seeking God's will for our lives, that 95% of our questions are directly answered through the Word of God, the Bible...and that the other 5% not specified to our particular circumstances can certainly be revealed to the one who seeks after that explicit 95% with passion. I've found this to be true. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, study His holy Word, and pray constantly, we will be yoked to the Vine. We will know our Shepherd's voice and we will hear from Him. We will.

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

So, as I sought the Lord for answers to my homeschooling questions, gradually He began to whisper and it became more and more clear that He had new plans for us that differed from how we were originally approaching homeschool. He showed me that just as all people are unique, we all learn in unique ways that compliment the beautiful differences He creates in us, with purpose. In order to fulfill His unique plans for our children, we would need to ask Him to lead us through His Holy Spirit on behalf of each of our learners. He has never failed us since and we haven't looked back once. We have only grown in confidence as we have morphed and there is good fruit as a result, both for us as the parents/teachers and for the children/students.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16

When given the gift of TIME, children flourish because they are naturally curious and inquisitive. With proper, biblical parental guidance, children can discover God's will for their lives early on and begin investing in their unique avenues of exploration and mastery. When given the benefit of unhurried, unlimited TIME to explore their God-given talents and inclinations, children thrive. There is peace when we step prayerfully into God's plans and He reciprocates by paving the way as we seek Him.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105

In the case of Brodie, we recognized his musicality early on, but it wasn't until years later that we offered him the gift of TIME. Once we let him have the (literal) hours in a day to focus on his instrument, he began to soar. Once we stopped squashing him into the worksheet/textbook box and let him delve deep into the music God enables him to produce, he began to explore the avenue that he was clearly created for. His piano playing has taken off. His aim is Godward. His focus is pointed and ambitious. His music glorifies God because it must, for that is why the Lord gave him his talent. We remind Brodie of this daily.

Brodie spends many hours most days practicing his piano and composing. He has the time to do so. We allow him unlimited time to hone his craft and he is content to spend it at the keys. He's never had lessons. He doesn't read notes on paper. But, he produces thematic, compelling melodies that tell stories through song and move our hearts to worship God. THIS is what he was created to do. He's currently working on his first original project and preparing to record when the time is right. He creates introductions to hymns that season the heart, encouraging tenderness in preparation for worship. Most days he makes his mama cry as his fingers play our life's soundtrack, the backdrop to our days. I couldn't love his music more and I thank God for inspiring us to let Brodie be who He created him to be...an artist...just like Him.

"'But now bring me a musician.' And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him."
2 Kings 3:15