True Education
As homeschool parents, there are so many important lessons which we so desparately want our children to learn. I want to model for my children the fact that I am always learning something new, even though my formal education was done long ago. I have learned far more post-graduation, than in all of my years of schooling. These past (almost) 5 years of marriage, I have learned so much about homemaking, growing in the Lord, and parenting. Like many women in modern America, I was not raised with the goal of me being a wife and mother, some day. So I had to read books, and learn wherever I could to fill in for my lack of knowledge. I have tried to challenge myself to try something new every week, whether it is a new recipe, way of gardening, or organizational tip. I always try to model for my children a love for learning. I am always eager to read on a variety of topics. Right now, I am reading The Bronze Bow, a terrific piece of historic fiction (around the time of Christ) to broaden my mind. (I only endeaver to broaden my mind in good ways, I do not mean it in the liberal usage we find today.)
Giving up because of failure, can be a very big obstacle to learning much.This is not always easy for me, as I am a perfectionist at heart. When I fail at something once or twice, I am more than willing to "hang it up" for good. But never giving up is a critical lesson, which I want my children to learn. This past year, I have undertaken trying to make a nice pie crust. Everytime, I worked so diligently, following every step of the recipe and I constantly ended up with a mess. It was crumbly, tasted terrible, and simply would not cooperate. My dear husband encouraged me not to give up, and said that I just needed to find a recipe that worked for me. After about a year of trying, finally, this past week, I found a terrific recipe which worked well for me. My husband had been out late working that night (on his vehicle), and I was already in bed when he came home. I heard him go into the kitchen, and eat some pot pie. He said that he noticed that that was the best pot pie he had ever had. Even though I had my easy way out waiting for me (my refrigerated pie crust), I told myself to try yet again, to make a delicious pie crust. There is no greater satisfaction than struggling so many times, and finally being victorious. I want my children to never ever give up.
One of my favorite examples of someone who is not afraid of failure and who is always willing to learn something new, is my father-in-law. Though he is in his 50's, he is always learning. He constantly checks out a plethora of library books, to learn new things. He loves learning what/how to pickle almost anything. He has a large, gorgeous herb garden, so when he cooks a roast, he can use fresh herbs and spices. None of the old dried store-bought herbs for him! His pastor once said that if his dog required surgery, and he could not afford it, he would have Stephen's dad study what needed to be done, and he would have him do it. He is just that versatile! My father-in-law once had to leave early to go home (when we were all out one evening) because he had to get home to make some fresh sourdough bread. I love it when people challenge themselves and constantly grow. I love my children to observe this trait in others.
May we always remember how important our job is to model so many important traits to our blessings! Have a joyful day in Him!
"At the End of the Front Porch" by John Sharman www.art.com
The three loves of my life. (Plus sweet baby on his/her way!)
Proud as a Peacock!
This bear just cracked me up. He is just too domesticated. He acted just like a dog!
That poor hog! The children tried to throw the food to him, but it just did not make it over the fence.
I was amazed by how gracefully this ostrich ate the bread we fed it! It's neck bends as though it is courtseying.
