“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” II Corinthians 6:1

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry as we have received mercy, we faint not.” II Corinthians 4:1

“I know another family that has nine children, too,” the dental hygienist continued in her conversation. “Though I think they only had five at the time I met them. As a newly-wed, I thought the mother was awesome!”

I felt awkward that I could not respond, although my lack of verbal communication did not seem to bother her, as she continued to clean my teeth.

“I understand you homeschool,” she asked after a period of silence. I responded with thumbs up.

“Have you always homeschooled?”
I managed a slight nod and a garbled “uh huh.”

More silence.

“I hadn't seen my friend for awhile,” she continued, “seeing that I moved away years ago, but recently I ran into her at the mall. She had her two youngest with her. I think they were seven and nine. The topic of schooling came up, so I asked her if she was still homeschooling, and she said, “No.” Her younger kids then asked her why they couldn't be homeschooled, and she told them that she was too old for that!”

A chuckle followed, and then more silence. I was glad for the reprieve in conversation. It was good that my mouth was occupied with an electric scrubber and a sharp pick. The Lord knew that I had been thrown into defensive mode and that I needed some time to regroup.

Since when was age a factor in service to the Lord? If homeschooling is a ministry to our family and a calling from God, is retirement an option? In God's eyes, no one is ever too old to serve Him!

Abraham was 100 years old and his wife, Sarah, 90, when God saw fit to bless them with a child. What if they had said, “I'm too old for this, Lord. This child will need to raise himself.” No! Abraham took an active role in raising Isaac. Isaac's willingness to be a human sacrifice at his father's bidding exemplifies the love, trust, and obedience that had developed in their relationship—a relationship that could have only been formed through consistent interaction and teaching.

Zacharia and Elizabeth were well past childbearing years when God blessed them with a son. Zacharia's priestly experience and gleaned knowledge of the Law were precisely what his son, John the Baptist, needed as the herald of the Messiah. Who better than a “vintage” father could have prepared his son for the great task of “Forerunner” of the Christ?

Noah and his wife “homeschooled” their three sons for 100 years in the fine art of carpentry. What if Noah had pleaded old age and ceased construction on the ark? He and his family would have been just another floating body.

Scripture tells us that Timothy's grandmother, Lois, had an active role in her grandson's spiritual life. To do that, she had to have been an ever-present force. She didn't retire from her responsibilities to influence generations.

Now I am not naïve to promulgate that homeschooling is the only way to influence our children for the Lord; but over the years, I have concluded that it is the most effective. In the case of my teeth cleaner's friend, I wish I could ask her: Is God only faithful to the young in years? Can we expect His grace to lessen as we physically grow old? Does His mercy grow cold as eternity creeps closer?

God's word states that the “fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127). So, whether we have two, five, or nine children each is a special gift worthy of the best of our time and efforts. To do otherwise would be “receiving the grace of God in vain,” wasting the ability and mercy He has available for us.

If God called a mother to homeschool her older children, why would His will change for the younger? Does the conviction He put in our hearts change with time, or is it in accordance with our physical strength?

Recently I graduated my fifth child from our homeschooling program. If I started when my oldest was four, that means I have been home educating for 23 years – 27, if birth is considered my starting point. I have not always been the perfect teacher (or perfect mom, for that matter). Every school year does not always go according to plan (nor necessarily, does every school day). Each of my children is not always compliant and cooperative (nor am I). And I can't say that there haven't been times when I've entertained the desire to quit (I am not immune to fits of selfishness).

But I have found that it is when plans go awry and character becomes challenging that God's mercy and grace are most abundant. It is when I have “little strength” that I feel God's hand upholding me. It is when I am tired that the promises of his word become more powerful. I would have never learned these life lessons and character boosters otherwise had I “quit”. They are experiences in God's grace that would not have been available had I “grown old” before my time.

As I look into the eyes of my younger children, how could I ever want any less for them, than I desired for my older ones? May it never be said that I grew weary in serving! May it never be heard that God's grace has limits! May the sweet smell of His presence never be extinguished; and may the awareness of His upholding hand never be made numb!

The strength of a conviction is proven in the faithfulness of its accomplishment.