November, you always seem to bring the nagging, needling thoughts– accusing me of being behind.
I start the year with an outline complete with goals and plans. I keep my sketch stretchy– allowing room for life, real learning, and even a little lazy. But somehow, every year, August's you can do this! is replaced by November's you didn't do it.
Elijah's Latin book hasn't been opened yet.
Your American Indian study is only half-finished.
The binding on your poetry memorization book is barely broken.
Did you write your Five in a Row plans in invisible ink?
You'd have to do two math lessons each day to catch-up to where you should be.
The frame of your once-beautiful outline has been bent into something unrecognizable and ugly.
Everyone else is right-on-schedule.
Some of the allegations are true. Some aren't. Either way, I have a choice.
I can agonize over my pulverized plans, or I can contemplate and commemorate what we've done off-road.
Spontaneous field trips, baskets of library books, afternoons at the park, following rabbit trails, conversations about God . . .
Sorry, November. I'm not going to listen to you this time.
We are living. We are loving. We are learning. We are not behind.
Thank you for writing this. I really needed this!
This is a wonderful post. It is something that I learned from a dear wise counselor many years ago when my homeschooling journey began. I am so grateful for this persepctive as it gives Christ a chance to shine in our homeschool {lives} rather than my ugly tattered plans 🙂 Thank you for the beautifully written reminder of what is REALLY important!
Blessings! Carlie K.
Yup. This is something we all need to be reminded of…often. Thanks for the post.
Ami,
When I read this I almost cried…this has been a burden on my heart also this fall. I admit I struggle soo much more than I want to with getting the learning in that I feel I should do or see others doing. I love to live & learn and I hate breaking up good moments when the kids are doing things together and making memories. I so need help with be consistent. Thank you for this post, for sharing your heart, for showing my once again I can have confidence in what God has called me to do and I am not alone feeling this way. Miss our little moments of running into eachother at Meijer! *Hugs* sweet friend. Oh I just updated my blog and I would love it if you would come on by and say hello!