My son had Book Club today. Doesn’t that sound like more fun than “American Literature class”? But of course, a rose by any other name…
This summer when I was chatting with some other moms when one of them suggested a joint lit class for our 9th grade boys. That’s a good thing, because it’s really hard to have a lit discussion all by yourself. That’s why I’ve always tried to read the same books my kids are reading for school: so that I can discuss it with them, help them expound on what they’ve read, and maybe point out some symbolism they’ve missed.
So the moms and I take turns hosting the boys and leading the discussion. Today ~ The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin ~ was not my turn. I’m handling The Scarlet Letter later on in the month, if you want to join us.
Now, if you’re going to fully enjoy this story, you should know this too: my husband teaches a Bible study for high-schoolers that my kids both attend, so this year I decided to be a part of it, too.
{Well, I “decided” when the Apple of my Eye asked me. He thought it would be nice if it were a “family affair”. I only tell you that so you won’t think I was horning in on their thing.}
So I’m there every Monday evening, helping out in any way these need: helping to serve dinner, handing out raffle tickets (for memorizing the week’s Bible verse) and basically being a utility player.
Well this evening my role was to fill in for someone else. Our class has a small group made up of girls that are younger than high school age. They are siblings, or children of adult leaders, and since they are at a different place in their lives than high schoolers, they have their own small group. The lady who leads this group was out tonight, so I subbed for her.
And here’s the part I like: a few of these girls are daughters of the Book Club moms. So this afternoon, Susan taught my son for me, and this evening, I taught her daughter for her. And this evening, I taught Janet’s daughter, and in a few weeks, she will teach my son.
Over the past few years there have been several instances like this in my life. My circles of Bible study and homeschooling converge sometimes, and we’ve done things for one another and then paid it forward and backward so many times it’s like a game of Twister.
Which is probably exactly what God had in mind with that whole “Do unto others” bit. Doncha think?
~ “Therefore, as we have the opportunity,
let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.” ~
Light Expectations 