“An instructed conscience rarely makes mistakes."
- Charlotte Mason
Since this is my open journal, I'm going to write something my son said today.
It was about lunch time, my 10yo daughter had done all her language arts- Bible reading and journal entry, Latin, English & Spelling, and my 14yo had only played violin, fed his magpies a few times, stared at the pouring rain, did some work in his grammar of poetry and had read Dr. Suess' poem- 'Cat in the Hat'.
I know boys and girls are totally different, I get that, but still...
...I was beginning to freak out a little, because I am struggling to get him to do anything.
During spelling, he made a mistake and walked out of the room. I just let him go. Before we started spelling, I remembered that I was making myself a cup of English breakfast tea, so I headed back out to the kitchen, and there was my son, telling himself to be quite.
I was like, what are you doing?
He looked at me with a very charming smile and stated that when he was in his room, his conscience told him to get back to the school room.
I just smiled at him, and thanked God, and then just hoped and prayed that he listens to his conscience. What else can you do?
Then somebody posted this you tube clip on facebook, and I just thought, how ironic.
Please tell me you have days where you are struggling to get your child into action...
What do you do with those days?
We are experiencing a lot of these days, and at times I am struggling to not be anxious about it.
I must say though, I am thankful that his conscience is loud and clear, that he knows what he should be doing, that he knows right and wrong. In the end having knowledge of right and wrong is better than academics. Don't you think?
Listening to your conscience and not suppressing it, is another step.
This is my EVERYDAY with my oldest. I gently bring her back to work. I never have tried this before... I have always lost it, grounded her, yelled, demanded. Now I am believing her brain is wired differently, and I don't mean I let her do nothing but my standards for her are changing. I am now trusting she wants to do what is needed and she wants to do good... I am showing more compassion and less judgment, and trying to be gentle. That's new to me. I never wanted to be permissive to the point of allowing laziness, but I think this with her is different.
ReplyDeleteIt is challenging isn't it Silvia? I'm constantly trying to find the balance, just to lean on Jesus and stay in His place of rest, but man it's tough, as I still feel the responsibility of my child's education. My husband said to me a little while ago, that I am doing well if I am getting him to do anything, and I felt encouraged. It made me to step back, take off the layers of expectations and just be happy that he is reading & doing maths.
DeleteWe should talk one day... we have so much in common. I too feel responsible. It is also hard I cannot deny it. But I think our children are like this for a reason and they need our love and support more than anything. It is not a boy girl , I think I have a girl like your boy and a girl like your girl. Better with us than being called stupid or lazy in a school.
DeleteI love you tons. My dh, btw, also tells me I am doing fine with her and that she will be alright.
I found you on the forum blog post site. I love how you didn't make an issue out of his behavior. Didn't it work out beautifully? I've really been working (and praying) hard about being gentle,letting go, and letting my children work their issues out on their own terms. For us, this is the best way! We are all happier and more productive in the long run.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by Melanie. Yes, like you I'm continually asking the Lord for help on being gentle and letting go. Not always easy, but with the Lords strength doable. :)
DeleteOne of my sons had a bit of an attitude & would always push back when corrected. He would have a change of heart later & apologise etc. It really bothered me that he didn't act properly the first time but one day the parable of the two sons came into my mind and I sensed the Lord saying that my son was like the brother who said 'No' to his father's request but later when & did what his father had wanted him to do, whereas the son who said 'Yes, I'll do what you ask,' didn't. Gave me a different view of things & that while I look at outward appearances, God knows the heart. Have to say also that as he matured it became less of an issue. Don't lose heart, you're doing a good work, Sarah. X
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, I don't know how I missed this wonderful comment. I'm just reading it now, and feeling such encouragement from your words. Thank you for sharing. I've struggled to blog lately, not much time. I really need to begin again. :)
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