My educational goals

Last fall, Heidi wrote an excellent post regarding educational goals...

her educational goals.

Goals that have nothing to do with standardized bubble tests,

achievement rates, and assembly line education...

but everything to do with raising truly "human beings."

I was very impressed by her list and have thought of it often,

especially over these past few weeks as I've been elbow-deep in catalogs and books and plans

for our next academic year.

What qualities do I want to see in my children... right now and 10 years from now?

What traits do I want to instill in them?

What do I want for them... in the long run?

When all's said and done, what is the end goal of their education?

For them to be loving, capable, and content? Yes.

But even more-so... for them to be God-honoring, God-following,

God-adoring, God-praising beings... all of their days...

who seek to glorify Him in all they say and do.

So, inspired by Heidi's list and excited by the possibilities,

I decided to write one of my own...

modeled after hers, of course, because she's a creative genius, and me...

well, not so much.

Here's my list:

What I want for my children,

that they might live a rich life:

Love God,

glorify Him, and

hide His Word in your heart.

Serve others.

Give thanks.

Stand for truth & settle for nothing less.

Run with perseverance and

never. give. up.

Learn something new every day.

Ask questions and search for answers.

Read. Read. Read.

And then read some more.

Explore. Investigate. Observe. Discover.

Examine. Inquire. Think.

Play hard and sleep well.

Count your blessings and

laugh. every. single. day.

Learn to be content in all things, and

never forget that character counts.

Smile!

Plant a garden and watch it grow.

Bask in the sunshine and jump in the puddles.

Manage your time and your resources well.

Dream big!

Encourage one another,

and build each other up.

Practice hospitality.

Think, discuss, and share ideas.

Accept new challenges.

Listen before you speak.

Be kind and honor others.

Defend freedom and

protect the innocent.

Be strong & courageous.

Forgive.

Dwell on the lovely, the pure, and the noble,

and ponder His goodness, every single day.

Seek wisdom.

Show compassion.

Sing!

Cherish relationships.

Pray without ceasing.

Care for the needy.

Rejoice!

And always remember: you are loved.