Don't Lose the Big Picture

Sometimes I forget why I do what I do because I am so busy doing it.  It doesn't make any sense, but it is true for so many things, usually those things that matter most, like marriage, a fitness regime, a spiritual devotion and parenting.  I submit that homeschooling belongs on that list, too.  The noble, worthy endeavors are big.  They span years, decades, lifetimes.  If they didn't, they probably wouldn't be on the list.

I can't always see the forest for the trees--the life for the daily dedication--and I forget that one cannot exist without the other.

Picking up dirty laundry for the best-not-to-count-it(th) time, forcing myself onto the treadmill while 100 other things are calling my name, being still long enough to hear the Voice speak to my heart, and stepping on a Lego in the middle of the night again can all get old.  So can teaching math facts to an infuriatingly blank face, or tensing when I hear the sigh as I assign a writing lesson, or hearing a snore half way through the history chapter.

I cry out inside.  Why am I doing this?  Who's having fun?  Whom is this helping?  How can this be a good thing?  It is.  Look up!  Rise above the waves; set your eyes to see His! Look deeply, see the reflection of how He sees.  It matters.  It is good!  It will last. It is noble.  The rewards are far-reaching and can't be rushed.

I believe with my deepest core that the above is Truth.  My efforts are for eternity.  But there is something I am missing.  Can it be my own attitude?  No!  I have to look into those holy Eyes again.  If my goal is so great, and yet all I am doing is going through the motions....

It hurts to realize that what I consider to be mind numbing repetitions are actually opportunities for prayerful, humble love.  I've passed it up!  Got lost in it.

With these big things, I have to balance my vision.   If I constantly look to the future, I miss on the glories of today.  If I lose myself in the mire of the daily grind, I forget why I am doing this in the first place.

This week, I am going to submit my attitude to be changed by the only One Who can with any finality.  I will pick up that dirty sock and use it as a reminder to whisper a prayer for the wearer.  I will get on the treadmill, thankful that I can. I will leap into my prayer closet, ready for my daily molding.  And when I step on a Lego, I will praise the Lord for the children I have, the toys we've been able to provide, the creativity to which I've been exposed and every moment I've failed until now to cherish.

When school meets with resistance, I will sing praises that it is I teaching them.  I love them.  I know them.  I will see them through this, like I saw them through nightmares, potty training and tantrums, and I honestly wouldn't trade those honors for anything.

The daily grind is that for which I need to learn to live.  It is what marks time and gives meaning to my relationships.  I need to remember to let frustrations go, savor the moments and know it adds up to something far bigger than I can imagine.

This doesn't relate to you, does it?

Ah... Childhood!

This is actually a post from my personal blog. My daughter is blessed with the greatest dance teacher for whom we could ever hope. She teaches a special class on Tuesday mornings that we attend. It isn't specifically for KidsROCK, but it is primarily KidsROCKers who attend. Tuesday is so special for us, because the kids get to dance with a teacher who makes them feel wonderful and parents get to catch up.

We have the best dance teacher for my daughter! She is kind and patient. She listens to the girls while encouraging them to be the best they can be.

Yesterday morning the girls got some more formal ballet training than they've ever received. They used the wooden storage structure as a barre. I bet all the girls were sore today!

Even so, there is something so picturesque about a row of little ballerinas. It seems to invoke a sense of well being for me, like it is a piece of the American Dream.

I suspect the reason is partly because ballet is a luxury--one never afforded me, which I am sure plays no small part in my romanticizing of it. When things are tough, ballet classes are often at the top of the list of things to forsake, and last on the list of things to resume. So seeing a whole row of girls working on plies gives me a sense that all is well--we can afford this both in time and money.

Another reason the vision is so wonderful might have something to do with the wonder and potential of childhood itself. There is a time when all the frills will be set aside for a combination of new frivolities and a sense of practicality. Tutus are replaced by posters of the hottest new singers, and ballet slippers make way for lipstick. The practicality comes into play when someone gets serious minded and decides that since a career is unlikely, there is no point in continuing.

And there is just something simple, pure and sweet about little girls in fluffy pink!

Secret Keeper Girl

This summer KidsROCK started a very neat club. It is called the Secret Keeper Girl Club. We use DannahGresh's kit to go on 8 dates with our girls to teach them the delicate art of modesty. On top of that, we meet 6 times through the summer to share in time designed to make both mother and daughter special. So far we have had two tea parties, a spa day and a game day. Coming up is time for crafting, scrap booking and dress up. I'm so excited, and so is my daughter.

My girl has seen this kit on my bookshelf for years now. We've always treasured our 'Mommy and Me Time.' She really wanted to use this book next. But...eight dates felt like such a big commitment, I knew I would need some reinforcements. Praise the Lord for the wonderful friends we've made through KidsROCK. I knew right where to go!

Today was gathering number four--only two more to go! I will be so sad to miss out on this regular time with moms striving alongside me to our girls how very special they are. Today we played Guesstures--moms against daughters! We beat those little chicks, but they may call for a rematch when they think about the girlfriends who were missing.

This is the first time we let the girls run to play while moms had some quiet talk time about the issues the kit raised regarding the various aspects of Godly modesty. We also got to do a little brainstorming for the dates and gatherings to come.

The time just flies when we get together, and I am always surprised to see two hours gone. Thanks, Secret Keepers, for your time and good cheer! See you in two weeks!

Calendar Time!

It's that time of year again: calendar making!  Every quarter KidsROCK produces a new calendar outfitted with classes, tours and events.

To schedule these activities up to five months in advance is no easy task.  Just getting local businesses to return calls at times feels like an act of God.  (I can hear our past and present tour coordinators shouting AMEN.)  Add to that coordinating dates around members' needs, holidays and city events, and you can imagine that the whole procedure is a very intricate dance, my friend.  An intricate dance indded!

Now I have to say that I am blessed to only have to watch the fancy footwork.  I may have front row seating, but it is really our brave V.P. who is doing all the work.

And I can't even claim to make it any easier on her.  I'm guilty of tossing out "great" ideas at the eleventh hour and delaying my date choices for they activities I lead.  And she always tolerates me with the gracious patience of a saint.  God bless her!

If you want to see the results of the latest command performance, come to our Quarterly Meeting on August 2.  At the meeting you can also buy a bag of school supplies for $5!  You can register here by August 1.  Otherwise check out the wesbite after August 4. 

Summer Book and Movie Club: Ramona and Beezus, Beezus and Ramona

This is our second summer doing the Family Book and Movie Club, and I am really enjoying the groove we seem to have found with the books this year.  And yesterday was extra special because it was our first time to watch the movie at the theater!

As individual families, we read Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  Then we hit the local theater as a group to watch the new movie Ramona and Beezus.  After the show, we headed over to the house to discuss our impressions.

Well, the verdict is in: we all loved the movie!  The kids couldn't stop listing favorite scenes, and could relate so well to the characters. 

The last task at Book and Movie Discussion is always the Vote.  Did you like the movie better, or did the book win out?  Most often, the book is a shoo-in.  But this time, the movie won!

Friends, Movies, Talk Time...It was a wonderful day!