Yesterday I read a post by one of my favorite bloggers, Jimmie, who blogs at Jimmie’s Collage and also at our sister site, The Curriculum Choice. Jimmie was talking about seasons in homeschooling, which let me to my own thoughts on that subject.
photo by noel zia
Everything in life is about seasons and that is most definitely true of homeschooling. We go through the busy seasons where it seems that we can barely keep our heads above water with all the things going on (that would be where I am now, just in case you wondered), but (hopefully!) we also go through those blessed seasons of rest when we have few outside activities going on.
We go through seasons that are stressful, even as they are a blessing, such as having a baby, a toddler, and a school-aged child. Trying to meet the needs of each can leave us feeling like we aren’t really meeting the needs of any. This season can be one of those that, if we don’t keep our perspective, we can try to rush through or, at the very least, not enjoy as fully as we should.
My younger two kids are right on the cusp of a new season in life — they are almost ready to be rather independent learners. I have to be careful not to be so anxious for that season that I fail to focus on and enjoy the one we’re in now. I mean, really, can you imagine all the extra time in my day when I’m not spending several hours a day directly guiding their education? Rather than simply keeping things fairly presentable and trying to keep from drowning in laundry, my house might actually be clean. I might be able to really spend some time on my hobbies, such as writing and drawing.
Slow down. Focus. Enjoy!
My oldest will be eligible for her learner’s permit this year. How’s that for a new season in life? Just yesterday, she was becoming an independent learner. Before I blink, she’ll simply be independent. I miss her already.
Slow down. Focus. Enjoy.
It can be hard, as a mom in general, but particularly as a homeschool mom, not to try to rush through some of these seasons in life. It can be hard not to stress over what is going undone in your home or in your school. It can be hard to realize that, good or bad, this too shall pass. And the time will be gone and we’ll be left wishing we could call it back.
Winter is my least favorite season of all, but without it we couldn’t enjoy the rebirth of spring. We’d miss the beauty of the fresh fallen snow before any footprints have marred it. We’d miss snuggling inside a warm bed or up close to a fire.
This reminder is as much for me as it is for you: Enjoy each season. Even the more difficult seasons have moments of joy that we can’t capture at any other time. Each passes more quickly than we expect it to. Savor each moment and remember that this too shall pass.
Kris can be found reminding herself to slow down and enjoy each moment with her three Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers or enjoying each weight-loss success at Eclipsed.
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A truly beautiful post. When we are anxious we miss the blessings of the NOW.
Kris this was a great post. I needed to read this today. I’m in one of those seasons where I feel like am I doing enough are we getting where we are supposed to be. I feel like I’m rushing us to get to the next step instead of like you said Slow down and enjoy this because it will pass quickly. I’m enjoying the ride but I think I need to look at more of the overall view. Thank you!
.-= Rana´s last blog ..It’s inventory time! =-.
Beautiful thoughts and wise words to remember. Some days just leave me speechless with all the work to do, lack of sleep, and things to plan. My girls are 8, 2, and 6 months and sometimes I just can’t keep up! Yet I know how blindingly fast the time goes, so I thank God and hold on for the ride! I only *occasionally* scream into my pillow at night. ;0)
.-= Sara @ Embracing Destiny´s last blog ..Homeschool Blog Hop: 10 Random Questions =-.
With five children, I feel like I’ve been in every season all at once for a while now. It’s exhausting at times and I certainly enjoy some over others.
But, I must say that my 8th, going on 9th grader is my favorite season right now. He’s an independent learner and he’s so good at it. I enjoy the conversations that we have about what he’s learning and what he’s excited about. I still teach him a few things, but mostly he’s on his own and he is thriving.
I’m also teaching one to read and that is satisfying as well. It’s a BIG season for homeschoolers, because it takes a lot of time and patience.
But, those are my two favorite right now. Not kids, just seasons : )
With having a kiddo with special needs enough that I wonder if he’ll ever be an independent learner, I feel like I’m going to be stuck in one particular season forever. It kinds of makes me feel tired, but at the same time, I have realized that God may just be making this season longer for me and I just need to accept the joys that come with that as well.
As I have told people before, if we homeschool everyone all through high school, it really only means that I’ve got about 13 years left to homeschool. In the grand scheme of things, that’s not very much.
.-= Angie´s last blog ..7 Quick Takes: March 19, 2010 (Vol. 34) =-.