Are you one of the thousands who can’t wait for spring every year? Do you eagerly watch for the signs of new growth and revel in the warmer temperatures? Are you one of those who start to get depressed in the fall with the thought of a long, dreary winter?
I’m sorry, but if this is you, I just don’t relate!
I get excited in the fall when the temperatures start dropping, and I’m giddy when I see the season’s first snowflakes.
Seasons.
Each of us has our favorite, has opinions about each one, dreads certain ones. Each season brings its unique challenges, stresses, joys, and beauty. Do you see where I’m going with this?
I believe there are seasons in our homeschools as well.
There are seasons of little ones, seasons of older students, seasons of easy math and science and seasons of struggles with algebra and biology. There are seasons with a love of learning and seasons where that yellow school bus looks kind of appealing. We may experience seasons of new babies or new houses and friends, as well as seasons of quiet and routine.
I think an important question to ask ourselves is:
Is it possible to enjoy (or at least endure with grace) the various seasons of our homeschooling, even if one or another is not our favorite?
And I think the answer is a resounding, “Yes, but…” Hmm…that didn’t sound so resounding, did it? The “but” in there is that the “yes” depends on our attitudes and choices to find the positives about each season in which we find ourselves.
One of the reasons I don’t like spring is because all the bugs come out of their winter hibernation–eek! Every year I have a choice to focus on how much I hate that about spring, OR to focus on seeing the beauty of new life and color, and enjoying the fresh breezes. That choice can be difficult when my attitude is one of worry and complaint.
Yes, it comes around to attitude–as so many things in life do.
So how do we choose the right attitude when we find ourselves in a season that is difficult, or in one we are not enjoying? I’ll let you in on a secret I learned. Ready? We can’t! At least, most of the time we can’t. In and of ourselves, we have a difficult time always choosing the right attitude.
We do, however, serve a God who delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. If our desire is to have a thankful, positive attitude (hopefully that’s the case!) in the midst of our season, then let’s ask for that! And do you want to know another secret? It’s ok to be transparent with others and ask them to help by praying for that attitude in us too.
One more secret: Seasons don’t last forever. I’m sure you know this already, but at certain times it’s good to be reminded. We can get so caught up in the frustration and emotion that it seems that it will be this way forever. But just as earthly seasons change regularly, so will the seasons in our homeschooling journey.
Can we find positive elements within each different season? I believe we can!
That was very encouraging and uplifting Lisa, and so very true. I love your analogy with the seasons. A very timely reminder as my son is in the middle of pre-calc and I struggle with helping him. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad it was encouraging for you Karen! I have to remind myself sometimes that “we won’t be in this season forever!”
Great post, Lisa! So true. I am grateful that right now we are in a happy season with our homeschool and I am excited for all of the opportunities for outside stuff now. When I start to feel like I am not enjoying homeschool, we take a break, maybe a week or two…we school all year long and take breaks when we need to. But we have not gotten to algebra yet!
We are in Algebra this year, and it’s had its moments!
Your year-round schedule sounds really interesting. I like the thought of being able to take time off when we truly need it!