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have the edge on. To have a slight advantage or superiority over - Collins Dictionary of the English Language

We are convinced. There is no debate about whether to homeschool. Those arguments have been won. The decision has been made, whether recently or years ago.We are committed. We choose curriculum carefully after much consideration. We study methods of homeschooling and know the names of their chief proponents. We discuss learning styles and try to teach our children the way they learn.

Each of us wants to give our children the edge. Even though we juggle finances constantly, drive old vehicles and go without things that others may take for granted, we have done our best not to scrimp on the children's education. Over the years we have not spared the effort to provide opportunities that would enhance their educational experience. Our children have each had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and when they displayed interest and the self discipline the expense was not spared to develop this. At one stage, I drove the children 1 hour each way every week for the older girls to learn remedial massage. The younger children and I had to play in the park while we waited. For two years, the 3 older girls had 3 hours of sewing lessons each week. I have never regretted this.

At 15, Bethany was enrolled in a fulltime university course. Her older sister was studying tertiary level health sciences at 16. She has a degree from a respected Australian university. The third daughter was accepted into a mathematics degree program also at 15.The fourth child is 16 and he is a carpentry apprentice.

To some, this is the gauge for success. At one stage of my life, I may even have thought so myself. I agree that these achievements demonstrate something positive. But now I have over 20 years of homeschooling to look back over and reflect on.
Our homeschool journey is not over. We still have children that are being homeschooled.

The pursuit of academic excellence, though a worthy goal, is not an end in itself. True education is much more than achieving standards and skills. One author defines it profoundly as the "harmonious development of the physical, mental and spiritual powers."

Since all knowledge comes from the Creator, the most natural place to begin true education is in study of God's word. The One who created man planned for man's development. He endowed us each with individuality, the power to think and do. The work of true education is to develop this power and to train our children to think. How few today really think!!! How few resist in any degree the influences of media and popular opinion!

Happiness and holiness are companions and true education will result in both. Love, the great principle which is the foundation of God's government, is the basis of true education. The law of love calls for our whole body, mind and soul to be devoted to the service of God and our fellow humans. To teach our children to act from motives of love, to appreciate God and His creation and to have a strength of character that will withstand the current of evil, will give our homeschools the edge!

~Lina Maevis