Yesterday I had some time to sit down and work on our homeschooling planning... filling in blocks and days with what we hope to achieve. Reading, writing, math, geography, science, art, history... we start on Tuesday. I sat with a pencil in hand, which always brings back memories. I rarely write in pencil. I used to.
I sat there with my planner, feeling so much like my mother with books surrounding me and getting excited and feeling so blessed that we can make this choice for our family and spend this time together and learn and teach each other.
What seemed like hours later I was done with my planning, I cracked open my bible. I've been studying Proverbs with She Reads Truth. Opened to Proverbs 16, I saw my absolute favorite verse:
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
And then all the planning I just did seemed not as important. All the insecurities I have in my head about homeschooling kind of drifted away. The important thing, in regards to schooling my children, being with my children, is to give kind words. Pleasant words. That is to be the theme of the school year: Pleasant words are a honeycomb...
My hope in this coming year is for my children to learn about themselves, each other, for me to learn about them and learn how to teach them, and for pleasant words to yield kindness and strength and wisdom. And education. But really, it's not so much about the education as it is a lifestyle of learning. Where learning is not a bad word, or a boring word, but a pleasant word that heals the soul and bones. To instill a life long love of learning... that is my goal, my gift, my gift to my children.
Now to plaster the phrase on the wall in bold letters...
This week we're linking up with Jade... join us?
That is a lovely verse! Best of luck to you and your kiddos this year! I'm sure you'll rock this homeschooling bit!
ReplyDeletePerfect outlook.
ReplyDeleteWe homeschooled from beginning to end, three kids.
Youngest just graduated from Indiana University.
Your priorities: God first, school second...good for you.
It seems to me that the attitude with which you approach homeschooling (and children) (and life in general!) HAS to make all the difference between joy and drudgery. Between honeycomb and...something bitter :)
ReplyDeleteThat verse is so helpful in everyday life with littles, isn't it? Thank you so much for sharing! And Jade is right: you're gonna ROCK the homeschool, lady.
I think I need to put that on the wall in our school room. As a reminder for them . . . and for me. :)
ReplyDeletePlanning is fun. Implementing the plans can be less so-- especially when you're super excited about it and the kids don't feel the same way. But in the end, it's great. Just being there, together-- it's so good.
We start Tuesday too! It's going to be epic.
How have I never come across this verse?! Love it!
ReplyDeletelovely lovely... somehow my kids have leearned to love learning without me. the way these 2 scour a museum and drink it all in is NOT from me!! and camden even more so than laura. i do love their thirst for knowing. and i suppose that is why homeschooling never crossed my mind! but i admire your moving forward... and i think this kindness verse is so important! can i make it for you? for your wall? i would love to :) i could do the vinyl letters if you want :) let me know!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love that verse! It really should be plastered on a wall somewhere!
ReplyDeleteE has been driving me bonkers this week. Bonkers! And as I sit here indulging in my very first honey sweetened snack {seriously!} since Dec, I'm letting your words sink in, and I think I know where I need to spread a little honey next. {Also: You are such an amazing mom!}
ReplyDeleteA beautiful verse for a beautiful theme. I can't even consider homeschooling because my husband is an administrator in our district, so I have to live vicariously through all of the homeschooling bloggers. Well wishes and prayers for a successful school year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful verse... So poignant and yet so hopeful and strong. How are you Corinne?
ReplyDelete