Homeschooling is A Brotherhood

Elijah was learning about pangalan pantangi o pambalana (proper nouns and common nouns) and one of the exercises required him to give proper noun examples. When he got to the word “kaibigan” (friend), I thought he would write down names of his homeschool buddies, neighbors, bible study friends, etc. But when I looked over his shoulder, I saw him write down Edan and Titus’ names.

Of course, this delighted me. I want our kids to be best friends. And they often say that they are. I think homeschooling has alot to do with it. The boys are together so much they learn to work out their differences, defer to one another, and love one another unconditionally. They also protect and support each other.

A few years ago, my second son, Edan, was coin bearer at the wedding of some good friends. He must have been close to 4 at the time.

When the entourage was lined up to go inside the chapel, Edan broke down. He was terrified. It was his first time to march down an aisle like this. Elijah, on the other had, was experienced in this area. He had been ring bearer, coin bearer, and bible bearer in different weddings. So he said to Edan, “Edan, don’t worry. Just hold my hand. There will be a lot of people and a lot of lights. Just look straight. Don’t be scared.” He held the coins for Edan and let him hold on to his hand. Then they walked into the chapel together.

It was an unforgettable picture of brotherhood. Here was a six year old and three year old who understood what it meant to “have each other’s backs.”

My prayer is that our kids will stay close like this — that God will knit their hearts together. Someday they will benefit from each other’s spiritual support and encouragement to weather the storms of life. At present, they are beginning hold each other accountable for responsibilities like violin and piano practice, or activities like reading the Bible and praying.

Adidas used to have a tag line for basketball. Basketball is a brotherhood. Well, for my boys, homeschooling is a brotherhood. May they be like the chord that Ecclesiastes describes, “…A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

I recently found photos of Elijah and Edan during the wedding…