The Weaver Experience for Dads...

In all my blogging about how the Weaver is set up, I didn't mention the very last part of the Resources section in Volume 1!

"A Father's Devotional Partner for the Weaver."

Let it first be noted that I haven't yet given this to my husband. I am planning on it, though, because I see it as a very valid activity. I simply haven't taken the time to sit down and explain it and let him read the pages, yet.

This section is only a few short pages. But they are so rich. It has an open letter to dads, explains how Weaver is set up, and has many copies of cards that mom can fill out for dad. Let's face it, dad is busy in many of our homes. I know that my husband is overloaded with responsibilities. He works full time to support our family, and that is a blessing. This allows me to stay home and teach, clean, cook, nurture, well, you know all that we do all day!

But sometimes, since dad is busy as the provider, he misses out on the education. We hear moms talk often about how disconnected their husbands are as far as schoolwork goes. But Mrs. Avery has thought of a simple way to keep them in the loop.

These little cards are brilliant. Mom fills in the 2 days that a bible section is being covered, let's say Thursday and Friday. And she fills in the lesson number and bible verses used. She fills in the title of the lesson, ie- Injustice of Pharaoh vs. Justic of God. She fills in the Academic Topics, ie- Power and Function of Royalty, Past-Present, Poetry. Dad, then, can note any specific experience or knowledge on the back of the card. He can share that information with the kids at the dinner table or bedtime, or where ever it's appropriate.

There is a Devotional reminder for dad that says he is to write thoughts on the back of the card including insights, experiences, or questions raised by the Scriptures quoted. Consider the title and topics, how do you better understand God? And what could you do to apply this new insight to your life?

Then there are check boxes ~ Listened to memory verse, shared personally on unit, 1 activity for wife (ask), 1 activity to relax you, 5 minute chat with 1 child. This is just a great set of reminders. When my husband gets home at night, he does a great job connecting with the kids, but this would give his time with them more forethought and depth. He doesn't think out ways that he can relax. And the kids have AWANA verses that they say to me regularly. But how fun it would be to have dad review them each night at the dinner table or at bed.

Please note that this is not something to hold over dad as "one more thing" to do! Poor guy! Be gentle and understand that if he is just not able to add more to his long day, it's ok. Maybe he'd be willing to do just part of it? Maybe you could make up your own cards? He isn't required to do everything on the card. The purpose is for him to have 5 or 10 minutes in the Word, reading what his kids are learning and adding his information as he sees a need.

If we implement this system, I will likely be posting more about it. But I felt it was important to share that Mrs. Avery has set up a way for dad to be involved, even if he can't be home helping in the teaching. Dads are a crucial part of home discipleship. Let's keep them lifted in prayer. :)