The Freedom of Homeschooling

I was reading a quote about homeschooling the other day, and it concluded that if the person were to sum up their homeschool experience in one word, that word would be freedom. 

I pondered that for a while and came up with my own thoughts on this; because I think freedom is the opportunity for making a choice. So, below are my working-thoughts on this concept.

Instead of, "Homeschooling is freedom," I would say, 

Homeschooling is an opportunity for freedom. 

It doesn’t equal automatic freedom, because the limitations may even be in our own minds and of our own making--we are sinners, living in a fallen world, and in the cross-sections of the Enemy who does not want to see us and our children thrive and grow. Oh yes, there will be limitations. However,

Homeschooling means that our family can choose our priorities and pursue them. We are not bound to anyone else’s agenda.

Homeschooling means we can choose to follow delight-driven learning when we want to, or we can choose to discipline our minds to a course of study for a goal we think is worthwhile. We are not bound to anyone else's interests.

Homeschooling means we can address character first; we can sit with our children at the feet of Jesus and grow and minister with them. We are not bound to anyone else's values.

Homeschooling means we can fit school to our lives, not design our lives around someone else's plan for school. We are not bound to anyone else's calendar. 

Homeschooling means we can choose not to be busy and rushed, but rather to enjoy the process and take the scenic route. We are not bound to anyone else's pace.

Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to choose if we want to join groups and "be like" anyone or anything--or not. We can be our own selves, and enjoy the unique, God-given gifts and interests that we each have, without being "disruptive," "weirdos," or any of the other things non-conformity is labeled in institutional programs. We are not bound by anyone else's image or approval.

Homeschooling gives us a choice where we would otherwise be given orders. We are not bound by anyone else's rules. 

With the opportunity of these choices there is a solemn responsibility (though if you think about it, our responsibility--the stewardship and upbringing of our children, as gifts from God--is no less for choosing to let someone else do the work and make the decisions.) And, of course, we are all still under the laws of the land, which is another choice and responsibility that we are each accountable for. This is one reason I think we need to continue to stand for and fight for the freedom to homeschool as our conscience dictates, with minimal interference from government or anyone else. 

I know this is strong wording (I generally don't go so far!) so this begs the question; do I believe homeschooling is the only "right" way to educated kids? Or to flip the question, do I think it's always right to homeschool?

Ha ha, no. My personal favorite way; yes. Also, I think, my calling; and the calling for many who maybe don't realize it yet. But not the only right way, and certainly not right for everyone. In fact, like freedom itself, I would say that homeschooling is not good in and of itself--but I would say the opportunity for good is definitely high in homeschool.

God is so good--He knows our weaknesses and limitations; He provides means and grace for each life and each situation--thank goodness! I believe there are truly amazing options out there, outside of homeschooling, where God's priorities are the educator's priorities also. Is there as much freedom in any other form of education? I would say not. But as I said above, freedom in-and-of-itself is not the answer (and no more is homeschooling in-and-of-itself the answer)--it is merely an opportunity. We can choose to squander that opportunity just as easily as we can miss the opportunity in its entirety.

What are your thoughts about the opportunity and freedom of homeschooling?