Our sixth year of homeschooling began today. We’ve had our share of rocky starts, but this first day of school went remarkably smoothly. The credit for our success goes entirely to the teacher being prepared for the day, the teacher having reasonable expectations for what would be accomplished, and the teacher devoting 100% of her attention to her students during school hours. I know that sounds like common sense, but sometimes it seems as though for most of my life “common sense” has alluded me. Other years have found me scrambling at the last minute to pull together what I need to try to tackle way, way too much on the first day after two or three months of spontaneity and serendipity, and trying to tackle it while doing laundry, cooking and cleaning at the same time. Doesn’t work. I should have known that then, but rather than bemoan my past failures I’m being thankful that I figured it out in time for today. What cooking, cleaning and laundry doesn’t get done before the school books come out has to wait until they are put away. That goes for the phone, too. If I don’t answer, I’m probably in the middle of a math lesson. (Just leave a message and I will get back to you.) The days are full.
So tomorrow will find me doing much the same as I did today, and probably just as exhausted at the end of it. Exhausted and happy. I’m doing what I know God wants me to do. Is there a better way to spend my days? I’m lazy to the bone, but by God’s grace He is making a worker out of me. And that’s a good thing. In many ways I am in the “summer” of my life ~ raising this beautiful family God has given me requires most (all?) of my time and energy. Before I know it, the harvest will be here and my children will be moving out on their own. These years with my children are so short, I need to make the most of every day!
Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
Amen. I’ve been studying the scheduling book so I can implement order before the school years come. I LOVE that book, by the way. LOVE it.