August 10, 2000 ~
Today I watched as our oldest son Tommy drove up the driveway. He will be seven hours from home for the next 13 weeks. I realized one of the drawbacks of homeschooling is... that you become friends with your children and it hurts to be separated. I couldn't help but cry as the memories came flooding in. Seventeen and a half years ago I gave birth to Tommy, our second child, our first son. The joy of the first few hours quickly turned to fear and questioning and desperate prayers as he struggled for life in the Neonatal ICU. When God spared his life and we brought Tommy home, I knew He had a special plan for our son’s life. Two months later, we dedicated Tommy to the Lord.
During my pregnancy with Tommy I read about people who taught their children at home and a seed was planted that grew and is still flourishes. I studied from the Spirit of Prophecy and knew that homeschooling was the plan God had for our family.
About a year and a half later, we made a move to the country and bought a piece of property 45 minutes from town. Everyone asked me what we were going to do about the children’s education. Even though they were only 4 and 1 years of age, I had my answer ready, “We are going to homeschool!”
As it does, time has passed and I’ve done just what every homeschool mother is suppose to do, I’ve worked myself out of a job, at least with two of our four children. Melissa was married last November and Tommy graduated from our homeschool in spring of 1999.
Just as I knew God had a special plan for Tommy’s life, it came true this summer. Tommy acknowledged God’s calling in his life to become a minister. We’ve all prayed with him about this decision, he’s talked to other pastors and discussed this at length with his grandfather, a retired minister. This past month at Redwood camp meeting, Tommy did some networking, talking to youth pastors and students from various colleges. He also spoke with a friend of ours, an evangelist for our conference, Brent Brussett who offered Tommy the position of Bible Worker at his next series, starting in 10 days. In Fortuna, seven hours away from home for 13 weeks.
So, suddenly, my oldest son is gone. I feel like Hannah in the Bible, giving her son to the Lord’s work. It happened so quickly with only ten days notice. I was expecting him to go to college next year, but now it seemed too soon. We had one Sabbath with him before he left and our pastors had a special dedication service during the church service. Then on Tuesday, today, he drove away. As I cried I realize my tears were selfish, I really don’t have anything to cry about. We really are very proud of Tommy and his decision to serve the Lord.
I don’t have any regrets about homeschooling, (though I do have doubts like “did I do enough?”). I’ve taught our children to read, write, do math and algebra, and speak proper English. Taken them to Sabbath School, Church and Pathfinders. Worked with them in service for others. Taught them how to balance a checkbook and cook simple meals. (I did let someone else teach them to drive.) Bought them instruments (and even learned to play one with them). They have worked with us and worked for others for wages. I gave of myself and spent lots of time with them, gave them opportunities, taught everything I could and then taught them how to find out information for themselves. Most importantly, I’ve encouraged them in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I’ve learned, children grow up very quickly. I want to encourage
you to live your life so that when your children are grown and no longer living
in your home that you too will have no regrets. Spend time with your children - take
that family trip, do that project, and learn that hobby. But most of all, have a
daily, living, growing relationship with the One who can teach you how to raise
and educate your children His way, this my prayer for you. ~Judy
©2000 ~ Judy Shewmake
Update: This article was written on August 10, 2000 - Tommy stayed the 13 weeks in Fortuna, went with Brent Brussett to help with Evangelistic series in Galt and then Santa Barbara. On November 22, 2000 Tommy was involved in a near-fatal vehicle accident and God spared his life for the second time that we know of. Tommy attended Black Hills College of Evangelism and graduated from the Pastoral Ministries course on April 13, 2002. Summer of 2002 found him working as a taskforce pastor for the Sutherlin and Roseburg, Oregon SDA churches. He was the youth pastor at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy for the 2002-2003 school year. He and his friend Josh co-founded Knowing the Real God a ministry reaching SDA youth.. I pray for Tommy daily, sometimes hourly and I am adjusting to my half empty nest. ~Judy
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