Recently, I found marginal victory in our homeschooling day. Ironically enough, it’s an issue somewhat pertaining to current events; a discussion about NFL players and their right to stand, or not, for the nation anthem. There are valid arguments to both sides and sadly, the center of this dissent; civil rights, deters from the reason I feel, we should stand. That being said, it saddens me greatly that our society as a whole is in this messy debate and is in such unrest over what, at this point in history, I wish was a non-issue. Though a clear reminder to us all, that indeed, heaven is not yet here on earth. 

Thankfully, civil unrest is a closer definition of the current battle in my household, not civil rights issues. Though, my honest dream and prayer is to have a family, which is more colorful than our current monotone hue and examples a little bit better of God’s love and adoption message for everyone. Someday perhaps. In the meantime, I have my hands full with my biological three, the youngest in particular.

My little man’s natural bent leans slightly to non-conformist, in the best sense of the term. Like any trait, this can be used for good or for evil and my mission, which sometimes I’d rather not choose, is to help guide him to life-giving streams that can shape this for a greater purpose. This school year, I felt it was relevant to include an opening ‘morning time’ routine, including reciting the Pledge together. I found a rustic, artistic rendition of the words to post in our school room and we have one of those little flags you see waved at Memorial Day events and 4th of July parades. He’s just a beginning reader, but has a fantastic gift for memorizing, so I knew we would have to take time for him to learn the words, but I didn’t realize my first attempt would require 45 minutes of coaxing him to merely stand with his hand over his heart. PEOPLE! To recite the whole “Pledge of Allegiance” takes a scant 15 seconds, trust me, I actually timed the process. Why must something so seemingly unimportant and uncomplicated, be such a battle??

Sometimes, as a parent, we have to ‘back up the train’. Find the time, the humility, the patience to explain and process the reasons with our treasured charges. As they grow older, I find the merit for this process a greater value than even when they were 3 and constantly asking, “Why?”. Too often, I assume they must surely read my mind (though sometimes they really do) and know the reason I am asking, doing, or compelling them to a new standard.

Our 5th week of homeschooling was just beginning and here I was, again, standing with my hand over my heart heading down the road to what would be a lengthy session to convince my  6-year-old to stand. I literally prayed out loud, as often happens these days, “Oh Lord help me and give me wisdom!“. Before I could even give time to think through it, I spouted off why it is we give respect as we take the time to honor our nation’s symbol of freedom. “Listen! We stand for those who have missing legs, arms, have no sight, are stuck in bed, sick and hurt; who fought for our country to the point of spilling their blood or have sacrificed by never seeing their loved ones again. Our family will give respect and honor those who allow us the freedom to school at home, be safe in our neighborhood, work our jobs and say or stand how we like. This is why we stand and give our time and attention to our nation’s flag.”

As I spoke the words, I did not expect they would actually have an impact, but there was that flicker in his eyes; a moment of understanding. Somehow, by the grace of God, he actually processed my words and they sunk into his sharp, little mind. What followed wasn’t upright, flat hand over heart, coherent recitation, but there was half-hearted participation that finished without drama or consequence. Thank you Jesus, but would we have to battle this out again soon?

Much to my amazement, a week later, when I announced it was time to stand to say the “Pledge of Allegiance” and suddenly, without ceremony, the one who has adamantly refused previously, pops up, hand flat over his heart and spouts off verbatim the pledge, in under 10 seconds. There was great rejoicing, extra points awarded and a lighter feel in the atmosphere. Now, onto the next skill of sitting still when required and yes, I realize the hilarity and irony in this requirement.