The Big Idea
by Kevin and Jessica Birch
Our family lives on a small farm in central Alberta. We have raised chickens, crops, cats, dogs, horses, cows, and three daughters. The last of which have taken the most time, money and energy!
We woke up one morning realizing our eldest daughter was graduating way too quickly. Had we prepared her for leaving home? In Deuteronomy 6 God shows that the responsibility of raising God-fearing children is ours as parents. We believe it is our job to prepare them for life. With this in mind, we have prayed for and sought to develop our children spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially, in regards to their character and work ethic. As a result we are so thankful for the privilege of educating our girls at home. There have been lots of bumps on the road, but we are still learning and enjoying this journey.
As I considered how I could best wrap up the last eighteen years of preparing Jessica for leaving home, the idea of a one year mentorship began to form. Life is full of daily practical skills, so this year Jessica is going to “job shadow” me in all that I do. She will be earning money, and will also learn by doing and observing. An important aspect of this idea will be for me to “speak out loud” my thought processes in decision making, planning and problem solving as she lives life more specifically alongside me.
This idea of shadowing Dad wasn’t completely new to me, because my parents have put into practice what Deuteronomy 6 commands throughout my life. I have been so thankful for how my parents have included me and talked through all the different aspects of living. I am excited about this year, however, because I know it will be more intense, detailed and practical.
I will be with Dad, as we do farm work, church work, office work and a multitude of other things. Preparing and operating equipment for our farm, helping with income tax, and accounting, and learning about budgeting and financial planning will all be on the agenda. When Dad deals with accountants, bankers, investment people, grain buyers, goes to church functions, makes travel plans etc., I will be watching and involved. Part of my mentorship this year will also be the continuation of learning home-making skills and tutoring my youngest sister.
As I do all of these physical and practical things, I will be learning how to work in different situations and with different people, whether difficult or straightforward. The wisdom that God has given my Dad can be shown and used in all these things and I will benefit as I “shadow” him.
I can’t think of a better way to prepare me for life on my own than to spend this next year being mentored by my Dad.