A long time ago, we decided we were going to step out in faith and rear our children contrary to popular culture and traditional worldly ideals. We took the road less traveled and chose to follow the Lord and His word. We've done many things that do not fit the norm and many things that have raised an eyebrow or two. One of the 'biggies' is homeschooling our children. Though homeschooling is growing in its appeal, it's still not the way most people do things. But, since when do we do what most people do? ... that includes graduation.
In the last few years, we've been pondering a fitting graduation ceremony for our Flibby. Our education process has been non-traditional, to say the least, so the thought of donning a rented cap and gown and parading across a stage to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance just didn't seem to fit. We've been prayerfully considering for some time what would be the appropriate thing to symbolize the values we embrace and the message we want to convey to the world and our children about what we believe. Over these last few years, the Lord began to make clear the direction we should take toward our daughter's graduation.
The education of our children is so much more than academics. In fact, I would say that academics play a very small part in their overall preparation for adulthood and the call God has on their lives. We have sought to prepare our children for life, not necessarily for Advanced Calculus 301. Not that there's anything wrong with calculus, it's just that calculus is not the mark of an educated man (or woman). What then is the mark of an educated man?
In our culture it is the Greek model of education that prevails with its emphasis on intellectual and physical achievement. We chose to educate our children more in the Hebrew (and biblical) model which values character and wisdom. We don't put a high value on our children's SAT scores. We think the better thing is whether or not our children are growing into Christ-likeness and whether or not their knowledge will assist them in fulfilling the call that the Lord has on their life. All of our home education focuses on that end.
It seems only fitting then that our graduation ceremony emphasize and reiterate that graduation is not the end of the learning process but a stepping stone into a lifetime of learning and growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus. Our graduation took place on Saturday afternoon at our church. We combined our service with that of another like minded family who had a son also graduating.
The ceremony began with Flibby playing Liebestraum on the piano. We wanted to showcase her ten years of training in classical piano and she played it beautifully! Flibby's wonderful piano teacher was there with her new baby to enjoy and celebrate with her.
Next we sang And Can It Be which was Flibby's hymn choice for the service. Both Flibby and the graduating young man each chose their favorite hymn for the service.
After And Can It Be, Mr. P stood and spoke about our Flibby. He told some funny things about her and some interesting facts about her. He shared her amazing attributes and praised her modesty and purity. Then he spoke of her calling. He told everyone that she will not be attending college and that she intends to focus on her call as a wife and mother. She will pursue the preparation of that call in her life. In one part of his talk he said...
I am so proud that she has chosen a 'profession' that will play a key part in changing the world. With the guidance of her family, the support of her church family, and the grace and leading of God, she has overcome the temptation to buy into the worldly lie that being a wife and mother is dishonorable.
For what you have accomplished thus far, I say well done my virtuous and honorable daughter. You are worth more than rubies. As for what lies ahead for you, I know you will succeed and continue to make your mother and me proud.
He then gave her a charge. In his charge he spoke of identity and the things that we allow to shape our identity. He charged Flibby to consider those she associates with, the things she allows in her life and the passions she allows in her heart as each of these things will shape and mold her identity. He charged her to allow the Lord and Him alone to identify her. He challenged her to seek after Him with all her heart though the world scoff and she face scorn and ridicule. It was beautiful and powerful! Not many fathers care enough to say that to their daughters and I am so blessed and humbled that my girls have such a father... he not only cares, he will see them through all the challenges of life. What a rare and wonderful blessing!
Once Mr. P completed his talk, the father of our other graduate spoke and charged his son in similar manner. It was a very humbling and moving talk. Our pastor gave his message which was such an encouragement! He is very like minded which is another rare and wonderful blessing. He praised Flibby for her choice to forgo college in lieu of accepting her call as a wife and mother. He challenged anyone to show him Scripture that goes contrary to that call. He preached on the blessing of following the Lord for all of life and not accepting worldly standards as our own. It was like a cool drink of water in the midst of the desert! He gave the charge of leadership and what it means to be a real man to our graduating friend. If only every young man had such a pastor and such a charge. The world would be a different place.
The two fathers then rose to present the diplomas. They had a great time of levity declaring both graduates to be 'valedictorians', 'salutatorians', 'head of the debate team', 'head of the swim team' and on and on. When you are a graduating class of one, you can deem yourself all sorts of things!
We sang the second hymn which was Man of Sorrows, a favorite of our other graduate. Flibby played piano for all the hymns of the service which was such a blessing for me to hear. I love to hear my children play! Another man of our church prayed for the two graduates and we were off to the reception!
This graduation was a grand blessing and exceeded my expectations in every way. Yes, we presented our daughter with a diploma but that was the least important part of the day. What stood out from this special day was the support of our godly church family and the people we love most, speaking a blessing over our girl as she steps out in faith in her call to godly womanhood. There truly is no more noble a call.
2 comments:
This is beautiful, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing the details of a beautiful and unique ceremony. Our family has chosen a similar path, so it's refreshing to hear how others are walking that path.
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