my3sons wrote:Everyone has bad days - sometimes the first, sometimes the last, and sometimes any number of days in between the two.
I can get pretty hyped about things sometimes, and then my expectations go through the roof - no surprise when the moment comes it can't meet my over the top expectations. I've had this with vacations, career changes, dates with my dh, Bible study groups I've led, birthday parties I've planned, gifts I've given - oh my, how the list could go on.
I've learned to recognize this about myself, and try to tamper my idealistic thoughts of how I thought things would go with logic (my dh's point of view also helps so much with this - he is logical to the hilt - though I don't always want to hear it
).
My idea of a wonderful day has changed. When I first began homeschooling, I thought - great - I can sleep in, I'll have time to exercise, time to stay on top of the laundry and the cleaning, and the dc and I will be skipping through the tulips loving each precious moment together. On a fabulous day, these things may all happen, but on the average day - being a homeschool teacher is still a job - granted, the BEST job I've ever had, the most IMPORTANT job I've ever had, but also one of the most demanding jobs. One thing I try to remind myself on tough days is I'm so glad my dc are having them with me, because then I have the opportunity to fix things myself - be it their attitude, my attitude, a schedule change, etc. And, the next day mercies anew abound, and we can start over once again with a fresh day. This is only your first day - think back to your first day of any given job you've had - usually the first day is not the best
. Give yourself and your dc some grace, and start fresh tomorrow! I am praying for you to be encouraged and also patient - you have a lifetime of homeschooling to enjoy, so give yourself some time to ease into it.
And be sure to keep praying - the Lord can do wonders to lift our spirits!
In Christ,
Julie
Oh, I could have written Julie's post here! These were my thoughts almost exactly. I have had unrealistic expectations about almost everything I've done.
And, you'd think I'd have it all figured out....but...when the month of August comes on the dairy farm I still tend to throw a pity party for myself because I don't get to see my husband - only the trail of silege he leaves on the kitchen floor.
I can remember when Grant was born. I was so excited to be a mother!
I had been babysitting since I was 11, and was so thrilled to have my own little baby to take home and care for and love. He absolutely refused to sleep in ANY position for weeks. He cried almost nonstop for the 1st 4 months of his life. And, nursing him...there seemed to be nothing natural about it. But, we figured out the nursing, he found his thumb
, and sleeping at night brought some sanity back. When I look back on Grant's babyhood though, I have such special memories. (I was going to say "warm" memories
, but that would be an understatement! We lived in a tiny little trailer house with NO airconditioning...
)
Anyway, with homeschooling, I know that my expectations for the beginning of this year were far different than they were at the beginning of homeschooling. I didn't expect my kids to all be sitting peacefully around the table for hours quietly waiting their turn to listen to me intently.
My first year homeschooling, I literally couldn't keep my 1 yr old off the middle of the table. He would fly up there and preceed to throw things off the table. I had to get a bungee cord to tie the doors to the dining room shut and buy a baby gate to keep him out of the room. I'm not saying to lower your expectations so that anything looks successful.
But, I expect to be hopping between my kids. I know that I'm going to give very focused attention for the entire morning if we're going to finish then. It's taken me a couple of years to figure out how to plan my schedule so that it fits my distractions.
Liz, it sounds like you've spent a lot of time in prayer and preparation already. Just keep at it, and know that God will reward your obedience and heart for Him! Keep praying! Keep planning and finding what works for your family. I really think time and experience are on your side here.
I know personally that I love to share the really encouraging moments that I'm so thankful the Lord gives me every week! And, when I'm busy looking for the good things, I'm amazed at how many there are!
But there are PLENTY of times that there are just as many (or more) moments that aren't "enjoyable", too. My kids and I have plenty of attitudes and actions that need correcting!
For us HOD has proved to be a wonderful tool to point us to the Lord and His Word so we can look in that mirror and see our hearts - and all the things that we need God's help in fixing.
I know that during a particularly rough week during our 1st year of homeschooling Grant asked me, "Mom, are you going to homeschool me next year?" I thought, "Oh no...he hates this...
" But I answered as positively as I could, "Yep
! Daddy and I think this is the best plan for our family right now." And, right away he gave a relieved, "Good!
Because I love being at home with you. I really missed you and Allison and Garret when I was at school all day!"
Now, let me tell you that this was a week where he didn't give a clue that he was enjoying himself and was bucking almost everything that I asked him to do. I know that the Lord gave me that encouragement!
Kathleen
PS: I haven't ever had my laundry fold itself.
But...if you leave it on the floor long enough, your family may wear it all again before you fold it and put it away.
Not that I've ever seen that happen at my house.
