On the Fear of Bathmats by Laurie Bestvater
The barometer that is the pit of my stomach has often been a faithful guide in my educational journey. From the first flip flop of fear at being left under the eye of my graying and stern Kindergarten teacher, through the perils of the curriculum hall as a new ” homeschooler,” past the monolithic teachers’ union temple in my community that stands as testimony of the power of the culture shaping lords of education, my uneasiness has been a constant. Clearly our educational choices are fraught with fearful consequences. Perhaps the Holy Spirit, who whispers, “this is the way, walk in it,” leads also through the gut but maturity requires something more than living by feelings. Grandparents and school officials alike are relieved when we home educators can converse about educational philosophy and we ourselves are satisfied to sort these things out for ourselves, to “give a reason for the hope that is within us.” That is why I love the work of Charlotte Mason. Mason has allowed me, over the years, not only to …