In 2010, we went through PSLE the first time and in 2012, we are doing PSLE again. David did well for his PSLE and was even featured in the national newspapers. So when people hear that it is Sarah’s turn, almost everyone said, “Oh she’ll have no problems since her older brother did so well.”
Huh?!
Why do people make such ignorant comments?! Does it mean that just because one child is good in Maths, therefore all children of that family will do well in Maths? Or that if one child becomes a lawyer (or a criminal), then all the children in that family will be lawyers (or criminals)?
Different Child Different Experience
Every child IS different. Every child has different interests, bent, personalities, quirks, etc. And just because they have the same teacher (me) it is no guarantee that all of them will have similar results. Every year presents different family dynamics and circumstances. Otherwise a class of 40 should have the same results because they are taught by the same teacher, right? :::roll eyes:::
This year, with Sarah, I had no time to angst about PSLE. We were planning to move out and undertake a major renovation of our flat two days after PSLE ends. In the 2 weeks leading up to it, I was decluttering, packing and meeting with the contractor. I left her very much on her own. The few times I tried to help, I ended up causing panic to myself as I would realise that I had forgotten almost everything I had taught David just two years ago.
No Time to Angst – Trust God
Two days after PSLE, we moved out. Two days before the PSLE results were released, we moved back home. I had no time to angst about her results either. On and off, fear and worry would enter my mind and ask the “what if” questions – “what if she does not clear the benchmark?”, “what if she fails her Chinese/Maths?”
But God is always so patient and gracious. One day while I was driving up and down to check the house renovations and run the many errands, the Lord reminded me that He will take care of the academics. I just have to do my part in being obedient, which I have done. Just like that, God assured me that she would clear the benchmark – which is our goal for all our children.
But like her older brother, she did more than clear the benchmark. Truly, all glory to God!
In Christ Alone Indeed
As I reflected on our second PSLE journey, the song, In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell, kept ringing in my head. She did well not because she’s merely following her brother’s footsteps but because of the grace of God. She did her part: she was diligent in doing her work and was self-motivated in her revision. And God was faithful.
So does this mean it will be smooth sailing for all subsequent children? If only! If only! All I know is that God is faithful no matter how they do academically. We do our part and leave Him to do His part. He has no need for our help (remember Sarah and Hagar?).
So I leave you with the very meaningful lyrics of the song :
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand
Chorus:
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord
Chorus:
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
* And yes, she has chosen to continue homeschooling.
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