By Shari McMinn

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).

Three decades ago when my late husband, Cary, and I began homeschooling our then five children, we discussed what outcomes we hoped to achieve and would plan for. This was the basic list we envisioned for each of our children to become:

• Caring and compassionate adults
• Enjoyers of their God-given interests and talents for hobbycraft and work
• Lifelong learners
• Livers of life to each one’s fullest potential
• Responsible, self-supporting citizens
• Seekers and followers of Jesus Christ
• Valuers of family life and worthy friends
• Well-rounded students

We started simply with a vision to follow the Lord’s lead to raise and educate what would eventually become 11 children, including a number of unique learners. Not knowing where He would lead us, we trusted Him for how they would graduate from homeschool and enter into adulthood. Did our “plan” work? Yes, for the most part. We were sinners raising sinners who all needed, and still need, a merciful God. Now all graduated, my children — and I — continue to learn about adulting as we navigate life each day. 

Read More