Learning at Home

“Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

Today is a new day! Today marks the end of spring break (we had a nice trip to the basement – did you enjoy your travels?) and the beginning of the next phase of e-learning for our kids. And for Erika, too. Frau Lyle has some teaching to do!

The easy pattern of the last few days has given way to a new schedule. This is a good thing. Our Grace School teachers were ready to go, with plans in place. The amount of new technology we’ve mastered (well, that may be an overstatement) is pretty amazing. So now, our three kids are in class, Zooming with teachers and friends. They are experiencing what Grace School is meant to convey – an education rooted in faith, academics, and character. Centered in Christ, these virtual classrooms create real places where our children can experience community, prayer, and support. They’re also receiving a top-notch education.

The methods change, but the learning continues. If this can be true for our kids, can it not be true for us? No, I don’t mean that we should feel pressured to use this time of quarantine to master new skills. We can’t all suddenly become oil painters and master poets.

But we can continue to learn. We can learn to trust Jesus ever more deeply. We can learn about the needs of those around us during this time, and we can help out.

I recently learned, for example, that The Book Table is still open for online sales, so last night we ordered some books. I’m waiting for Geppetto’s Toy Box to have online sales available; I’m ready for some new LEGO sets (I mean, er, the kids are ready for some new LEGO sets) and I want to support our local shops. I also learned that the squeak in the door to our basement could be fixed in less than two minutes. I’m a do-it-yourself-er!

I hope that I continue to learn and to grow. I’m thankful for the teachers who help my children do the same. I pray that we all learn how to be a little more faithful, a little more friendly, and a little more decent. Maybe after this has passed, and we can all come back together, we will have learned how to be together in better ways.

I have to go check on Torsten, although I’m not sure I’m as smart as a kindergartener. Hopefully he’s learning just fine on his own!

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of truth, teach us today. Turn our hearts to Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may trust your promises more deeply. Grant us grace to keep doing the things we have learned from you, and keep our ears open for the gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.