Painting

There are downsides to homeschooling. For example...my house will never stay clean for more than 2 minutes at a time, and I am the only "bad guy" when it comes to undesirable schoolwork (except the principal, who does get called in from time to time). There are no subs. Some days, more things go wrong than go right.

But, other days are such lovely reminders of why we've chosen homeschooling for our life right now. Last week, the weather was gorgeous. We had a list of schoolwork to complete but the kids had acquired a cardboard box. It was already disassembled, ready for painting. The only thing on their "list" was painting the box. I could tell they wouldn't be able to think about anything else until this pressing need was taken care of. The sun was warm and the breeze was refreshing. So we took the paints onto the grass and took care of business. Schoolwork waited a bit. Patiently, it turns out. 

And my kids were so pleased to create, make a mess, and get a "yes" from Mom. I even sat still in the grass while they worked. To be present in their joy.

Running away from home

If only I could remember every funny, cute, and clever thing my children say. They crack me up every day...and often make me stop to think.

Today I wrote down Hava's reflections right after this little conversation:

(Hava was pensive; poring over the bedtime story book, showing the prodigal son running away from home on one side and him feeding pigs on the opposite side.)

Me: Hava, what are you thinking about?

Hava: Something on this page. What do you think it is?

Me: Pigs?

Hava: No.

Me: Running away from home?

Hava: Yes.

Me: Are you thinking about running away from home?

Hava: Yes. And I’m thinking about my father. (pause) No, not my father. Actually, yes, He is my Father.

Me: What do you mean?

Hava (tearing up): I ran away from my Father but then I decided to come home.

Me (trying not to grin): I’m so glad you decided to come home.

Hava: Me too.

Lately I’ve been reminded of the importance of study in the Christian’s life. Equally essential is to have the softness of a child’s heart who realizes that “I once was lost, but now I’m found. I once was blind, but now I see.”