Just Average

Uh-oh. I've caught myself doing it again. Comparing my kids to other people's kids. You would think I should know better by now.

I remember worrying when my baby didn't walk as soon as "most" babies. I worried when my preschooler didn't talk as plain as "most" tots. I worried when my kindergartener didn't learn to read as fast as "most" kids.

Yep. I was convinced it was me. I was doing something wrong. My kids were not above-average, and they really ought to be, right? I mean, any homeschool mom worth her salt has above-average children. Just read the glowing testimonials in the Sonlight catalog. That proves it. Doesn't it?

The fact of the matter is, somebody has to have average kids for there to be above-average kids. Turns out one of mine is average, and the other is actually--gasp!--below-average. And you know what? That's okay.

My oldest daughter graduated from high school this spring. She won't be going off to college like Judy's and Jill's children. They are rightfully proud of their children, but when I read their posts I began to second-guess myself again. Did I do something wrong? Why isn't my daughter academically inclined like theirs? It must be my fault.

Um. No. It isn't. We are all different. We all have strengths and weaknesses. I have to remind myself not to compare my weaknesses (or my children's weaknesses) to other people's strengths. When I remember that my daughter has above-average character and a gift for hospitality I realize that it's really okay that she has no interest or aptitude for going to college. God has a plan for her life just as He does for those with more "book smarts." We can't wait to find out what it is!

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
Psalm 139:16-17

Enjoying the adventure,
~Karla Cook
Lifelong Learner