Woe Unto She

Woe unto she who begins the homeschool day by having all her students memorize "Rejoice always; in all circumstances give thanks" (I Thes. 5:16).  For undoubtedly, the washing machine will break, her toddler will throw a tantrum, and a check will bounce, all within the first ten minutes of the day.  Can she rejoice through the trials?  Woe unto she who ever-too-hastily chooses a Bible verse for the day!

Our Homeschool

   Each morning we begin with a few comments, then prayer and Bible reading.  This morning, I told my young ladies: "I am motivated this for this week to be substantial for us all.  My end goal for you is to be able to achieve your fullest happiness, that is, your most significant way of being a gift for others.  Very few people find their highest purpose in life.  I am doing my utmost that you each fulfill your God-given potential.   Hence our year's academic goals are: 1) excellence in knowledge of the Bible; 2) excellence in math; 3) excellence in science, and outstanding performance on standardized tests in both areas; 4) excellence in writing, public speaking, and the ability to articulate what you think and know.  May these achievements open doors for you, and help you be able to follow God's calling for your lives."
     Our school's patron saint is St. Madeline Sophie Barat, who was homeschooled by her brother.  Because of the unusual education she received from him (receiving the education usually given only to young men seeking priestly ordination), she was able to become who she became: the founder of a world-wide system of schools for young women, comparable to the Jesuit education for boys.  Homeschooling changed her life, and changed the life of so many people (including mine, since I, too, received an education at one of her schools--thanks Mom!).  My prayer is that my homeschool will open up possibilities for service, excellence and love that my young ladies would otherwise never attain.  God, give us grace!  

Homeschooling: Poured Out for Others

     I've had a shocking discovery that reverberates through every day of my decades of motherhood.  The meaning of my life is finding my way of being like Christ, of carrying his image, his life, his spirit in everything I do.  And that way is motherhood.  I am poured out, shared, broken and opened up as a daily offering for my children.
     Right now, I am relishing one of the apexes of making my life a gift for others.  I am setting up my homeschool.  After three years of being away from this lifestyle, we are returning.  Four young ladies and a little man will all be educated in this home by yours truly this year.  How holy it feels, to identify each book, to set up each study space, to pray for each one and what their needs are.  Some need to become articulate, being able to master material and present it well.  Others need to fill in some gaps in spelling, grammar and math.  Still others need to learn to love to read, traditional school having virtually killed their love of literature.  This is one way I can love my children, being a little reflection of Christ to them.  I get to see their needs, pray for them, help them set new goals for themselves, and seek to meet them.  It is a way of dignifying them, and dignifying my relationship with them.
     Being a mother has always been for me a way to make my life a gift for others.  Whether it is holding an infant in my arms, teaching my six-year-old to make pie crust, or picking my teenager up from a homecoming dance late at night, I am giving my time, attention, love, advise, and encouragement to others.  How thrilled I am to get this precious year, making my life a gift in a new way.