After two days of children running around wild in our home while I tried
to do kid school and couldn't get any one to get interested, I woke up
early this morning and realized that I was still hanging on to my
conveyor belt background. I was not following the phases or their
obvious need to let out energy. I decided to take on a new approach.
Agency. Following phases. That's a new thought I know!
We had breakfast, cleaned up, did a bit of family work, and then they
went out to get our walking sticks some berry leaves. They returned
promptly to throw the leaves in the terrarium and then sneaked back out
for berries to eat. I was feeling a bit nervous. We hadn't had
devotional, I was letting them outside to play during school hours in a
backyard that is open for all to see. What happened next I hope has
relinquished me from my conveyor belt hang ups forever.
I followed my two year
old's request for help in securing an apple from the tree when I was
greeted with a bouquet of flowers from a few of my children.
My heart
swelled (You know the way it does when your reading a good Gene Stratton
Porter book). This was so much bigger than learning about Captain Cook.
I stayed for a few minutes before I came in with my bouquet, picking
apples for the remaining four children, and informed them that I would
let them know when I would be holding devotional in a few minutes for
those who were interested. They all went about playing. When I called
the strangest thing happened. I watched as my two oldest encouraged the
younger ones to join us for devotional. I had all five of my children
in my living room sitting willingly for devotional . Wow! What a
difference! My Spirit has felt more peace today then it has in the past
two days. While I was inside (trying to write this post) I had my baby
come in (I say baby but he's two), crawl upon my lap with a book in hand. We read it 5 times
before my 4 year old came in and noticed the computer screen with a
violinist on it and asked to hear it. We sat and listened to the violin
for a while and then they went about their playing. I realized that my
stress from having to "put out fires" all day stemmed from not following
phases and their needs. Instead of stress, I hope next time I quickly
choose to unleash the wilds to nature and enjoy reading a good book in
the warmth of the sun while I listen to their laughter and joy!
Sorry about the novel my heart is just full.
While playing they found a dead bat and an earthworm that they measured. I guess life really is the lesson!
