Seeing the Fruit

I’m sitting in a college computer cluster observing a CAD (Computer Aided Design) class that my nineteen year old son, Dustin, is teaching to homeschool students. I am in awe of God’s work! This young man is living proof that home education works well.

A few of our nine children loved their workbooks and whipped through the pages assigned for each day, but the others could hardly make themselves sit still that long. The son who is teaching this class was a child full of wiggle.  I’m thrilled to see where God has taken him!

What did God direct me to do with these wiggly children? We used as many hands-on techniques as I could fit into my day, but they still had to do a good portion of worksheets because I was preparing them to do great things for God! I prayed for balance so as not to burn them out on paperwork, but I assigned what I felt God was leading me to require from each of them. I spent the extra time it took to sit with those struggling to stay on task.  Eventually they figured out how to block out distractions and focus. These children figured out that attitude is everything! They did what was assigned, marked it off on their daily schedule and used the remainder of their day to focus on the things that most intrigued them.

In God’s perfect timing, Dustin had the opportunity to be on a robotics team. Over the past four years he has spent countless hours working on this hobby. As he enters his freshman year at a local college, he feels right at home since he has volunteered much time to assist the men and women here who are encouraging the next generation of engineers, mathematicians, writers and the many other careers through their great programs. I’m so thankful to see how God directed me through those challenging years. When you feel like throwing in the towel, pray for direction. Then go forward with God’s strength. Someday you will be watching your nineteen year old stepping out into the world and touching the lives of others in great ways!

~Julie Walter
MÂCHÉ Board Member