Post Conference Thoughts

Right now, following the intensive atmosphere of the conference, my mind and heart feel like a bucket – a receptacle of (odd) emotions and experiences. Somehow I feel they are all connected and have some kind of order to them, but I haven’t the brain power to figure it all out just yet. Tiredness will do that to ya.

As always, I am so impressed by the dedicated people who give so much to put on the conference. Rain or shine, complaints or compliments, time that runs too quickly or moves too slow, and a myriad of other situations that occur whenever you gather such a large collection of people together… these folks simply do what is before them with patient grace and move on to the next task. I am blessed beyond measure to rub shoulders with them. (Of course, being as to how I’m one of the shorter ones I will mention that this is meant metaphorically because some wise guy will remind me if I don’t.) 

Because I approach the workshops with an attitude of gleaning what is good for us and leaving the rest I tend to get something out of each workshop that benefits us in our homeschooling endeavors. Whether it is a reinforcement of something we already do, or a new idea on how to approach something, gleaning what is appropriate for our family at this time, I am glad to learn and hear from the speakers.

I am certainly not at the level of the conference speakers, but having had the opportunity to speak to groups (about continuing home education through high school, or encouragement to continue at any stage, or the importance of certain ideas I advocate for groups and leadership), I know the work that speakers put behind their workshop. It takes hours of information gathering followed by the pruning of that information so the most significant ideas can be included in a cohesive manner and in a way that is interesting and informative. Knowing this, I can appreciate the workshops purely from the standpoint of effort exerted. It shows when someone has poured themselves into it.

All of us display our worldview about many topics whenever we speak. The workshop should reek of it, actually. And it pleases me to know that there is so much more that unites us than divides us when I hear the workshops with this point of view in mind. How we approach the workshop is almost as important as what is presented. Am I receptive to what is being said? Do I turn my listening ears off if I hear one thing that I disagree with? That would be a mistake, as usually there’s more you can glean and use if you approach it from that perspective.

I don’t mind the speaker’s theology shining through – as I said, it should be evident. But I don’t get my theology instruction from these workshops. I get my theology instruction at church. Maybe that’s why I can easily dismiss something I don’t agree with or that my church doesn’t confess.

Other impressions…

Folks are genuinely concerned for our family. Their tears, prayers, hugs of encouragement, and notes occur exactly when needed. It is amazing to me that the Lord works through them as His hands and feet to minister to us. Thank you, Lord, for caring about the tiny details that mean so much!

I must remember to NOT get new shoes before the conference. They need to be worn to ensure that they’ll suit the miles that will be walked those three days. I might add that to my task list. Just kidding. Maybe. This year, I think, was the most vicious assault on my feet so hopefully that means I learned and will retain this lesson for future use.

It was delightful to have my oldest with me throughout the conference. Knowing I could depend on her and being able to enjoy being with her those few days was precious. It made me realize how much I miss her when she’s not here, and to appreciate her while she is here.

I missed having my middle daughter there. She adds balance in the form of humor and bluntness. I missed that.

Having my youngest with me is always a joy. I delight in her perspective, and questions, and to see how her brain works. She’s making so many connections and expressing them. It’s nice to see that the effort being poured into her education is showing some fruit. She’s been going to the conferences since she was born. It would seem odd if she were not there.

There might be more on this topic in the future, but that’s it for now.