As I sit here in our home school room, the night before the first day of school, I'm reminded of how we began this journey.
I think back to that first year, to all the planning that went into our beginning.
I think about that first day - my, how young my children were!
Not only have my own children grown, but we've added a new member to our classroom this year. This year our classroom will consist of the Princess (6th grade), the Xman (4th grade), and the Peanut (who will be 4 months at the beginning of our school year).
I think back to why I began this journey. It's almost comical now to think that my original goal that first year was to provide a "good Christian education" for the Princess.
As I look at my desk, covered in curriculum, planners, calendars...........I wonder - what are my goals for this school year? Each year, I have began with a "big idea" for the year.
This year, I aim to be wise.
When I set goals with the children, we start with "what do you want?" Next, is "what does that look like?"
What does "be wise" look like?
I want my children (and myself) to be intentional in how we worship our God, spend our time, interact with each other, use technology, and choose our activities.
Ephesians 5:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
I'm prayerfully excited about this new school year, a new beginning.I pray that I will continue to put my children's spiritual education ahead of all other priorities. I pray that I will focus on their character before their academics. I pray that I will set high expectations for them - accepting only the best out of us all. I pray that I will continue to respect their childhood - that our days will have time for play, time to explore, and time to discover. I pray that I will watch my words and my tone - remembering that both leave lasting imprints. I pray that I will be patient with them. I pray that we will be intentional. I pray that we will be wise.
It was the night before home school
and flying all through my mind
are visions of the first day
will the children do more than whine?
Will I be a good teacher?
Will anything get done?
Can I accomplish all that I want?
Will it be any fun?
Such high expectations
my dear children have set
for mommy as a teacher,
I'm not worried....yet.
As we wake in the morning,
our new adventure will start
I will begin with a prayer
and teach with my heart
and flying all through my mind
are visions of the first day
will the children do more than whine?
Will I be a good teacher?
Will anything get done?
Can I accomplish all that I want?
Will it be any fun?
Such high expectations
my dear children have set
for mommy as a teacher,
I'm not worried....yet.
As we wake in the morning,
our new adventure will start
I will begin with a prayer
and teach with my heart
