Not every child is a genius, or socially adept, or physically strong. When you see the failings in your own teenager, it can be tempting to have regrets and think you must have caused it to happen. Even when you KNOW your child has a physical condition causing learning challenges or social stumbling blocks, there may still be moments of doubt. "Sure my child was born that way, but maybe if I had just ..." It's easy to place blame with parents, even when the parent is you.

regrets



Homeschool Regrets - Did We Do Something Wrong?



Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3

Learning challenges are called "challenges" for a reason - they can be difficult! However, I can see how these challenges can point to the Glory of God. When a child with difficulties succeeds beyond their wildest dreams, parents immediately recognize it as a miracle. Consider this news story:
Grad who personifies perseverance Despite being told he'd likely never walk or talk, Alex Leavitt will graduate with a degree in history from the University of Puget Sound on Sunday. Seattle Times

How must that parent have felt for all those years? It certainly couldn't have been easy, and I'm sure they often wondered if they were doing the right thing. I have pointed out this story before, and how he has private tutors and used school-provided note takers, much the same way homeschool parents work. Success wasn't due to the school. It was to demonstrate the work of God. I have talked with many friends and clients that have children who struggle, with Dyslexia, Aspergers, and more. Now I'm old enough to see these same parents on the other side - their children are beginning to graduate from college. One child couldn't read at 12, or spell at 17. It was tempting for the mother to ask "Is it my sin, Lord?" These parents didn't give up, but kept working through the disappointments, difficulties, and doubts. Now this same child has graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. The parents are pointing to the Lord. The work of God has been displayed in his life. It wasn't the sins of the parents that prevented him from reading or spelling, it was so that, years later, they could all feel closer to God, and see Him as a personal Lord who loves them and cares for them.

Please note: This post was originally published in July 2010 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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