A Truth That Anchors by Joy Shannon

Published by Carroll Smith at March 23, 2018

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We should allow no separation to grow up between the intellectual and ‘spiritual’ life

of children; but should teach them that the divine Spirit has constant access to their spirits, and

is their continual helper in all the interests, duties and joys of life.

Charlotte Mason’s Principle #20

The idea that the Holy Spirit wants to be my children’s Great Helper and Teacher is such a comfort to me, as I take on this large, beautiful task of educating my children. I am thankful I am invited to work in cooperation with Him. Mason says of the mother, “never let her contemplate any kind of instruction for her child, except under the sense of the divine co-operation” (Parents & Children, p. 274). It is wonderful to think He never tires or grows weary. He knows exactly what my individual children need and when they need it.

But recently, I have gained a deeper understanding of a different truth.

The Holy Spirit wants to be my Great Teacher and Helper too. As I have traveled this Charlotte Mason journey, I have been challenged to work on my own habits, my own attitudes, and my own atmosphere. I have gained a clearer picture of the posture I want to have as a woman, mother, and teacher, but often I fall short of the ideal. Rather than be frustrated by my shortcomings, I now recognize that growth is my goal just as it is for my children.

God, the Holy Spirit, is Himself the supreme Educator of mankind. (Parents & Children, p. 245)

I have found it is quite a different thing to accept this truth for my children than it is to claim this truth for myself. But claim it, I have done. This truth has come alive to me, settled down within me, and serves as an anchor for me. I can trust Him, knowing He will walk beside me, helping and teaching.

As I study the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, she continually points me towards my Lord. I am drawn closer to His side and encouraged to see myself and others as He sees them. I am learning to cooperate with Him in my own growth and change.

Thank you, Charlotte, for once again grounding me in truth and pointing me to my Lord.

But we hold that all education is divine, that every good gift of knowledge and insight comes from above, that the Lord the Holy Spirit is the supreme educator of mankind, and that the culmination of all education (which may, at the same time, be reached by a little child) is that personal knowledge of and intimacy with God in which our being finds its fullest perfection. (School Education, p. 95)