Perhaps the most famous baby in the world right now is the little prince who was born yesterday in England. For weeks I've noticed the supermarket tabloid headlines speculating about... well, just about anything that could possibly be speculated about the soon-to-arrive royal baby. And now, we're all waiting to find out what his name will be. He's a Very Important Baby, you know.
I have to admit, I'm probably as interested as the next person in what the royals are up to. I don't know why we find them so endlessly fascinating, but there you have it.
I was thinking, though, that my own children (no longer babies) are much more important to me than any royal baby anywhere. They wouldn't be a bit more precious to me if they were third in line to the throne. And that's as it should be. I'm their mother, and that's just how mothers are.
Several years ago I was convicted to pray regularly and often for my children when our pastor reminded us parents, "No one else is as interested in your children as you are. No one will pray for them more than you will." It hadn't occurred to me before that part of my responsibility as a parent is actually to be the primary pray-er for the souls that had been entrusted to my care. It was a sobering thought. And so, I pray.
By the same token, I've come to realize that I know my children better than anyone else. That alone qualifies me to be their best teacher. Over the years, of course, I've called on various instructors and professionals to come alongside me as I've educated my children. Help and encouragement from other sources has been invaluable as my husband and I have made decisions regarding parenting and education. I am grateful that we had the opportunity and means to homeschool, because that has allowed me to spend even more time with my children and be involved in their lives in a way that wouldn't be possible with a classroom education.
You know, now that I think of it, I almost feel sorry for the royal family. Probably the little prince will be cared for by nannies and tutors, or something. I have no doubt that his parents love him dearly, but I expect other important responsibilities will prohibit them from being as involved in his life as they might like. Personally, I'm happy to just be a common mother with average children. I'm blessed!
Enjoying the adventure,
~Karla Cook
Lifelong Learner
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