It Started With A Conversation...

A very special 6 year old, his mom & I had the most wonderful and enlightening conversation. We spoke of the Golden Rule. We talked about how our attitudes towards others gets reflected back onto ourselves. If you treat your friends rudely, they will treat you the same way. When we asked if that was OK, he said no. He told us that we should treat others much nicer - kinder because that's how WE want to be treated.

SMART KIDDO!

His mom and I carried the conversation on. I spoke of Grace. How I was trying to live more Gracefully. We spoke about how we were NOT perfect and that was OK. We spoke about what the word Grace meant to each of us. I honestly cannot remember what was said-just the emotions. I felt compassion-peace-love-gentleness. I remember feeling that it was OK to be a work in progress.

How does one define Grace? I truly believe that it is up to the individual. To me Grace means kindness, gentle hearted, compassionate, strong elegance, and respectful. Grace does not mean perfection - NO ONE can achieve that. Grace means accepting your imperfections.  It means trying to be the best you can be in spite of your flaws. To realize that you are flawed and to go with your strengths. It means when you fail, don't go licking your wounds...learn from it. It means getting back up and doing better...again and again.

Someone walking with Grace shows compassion and understanding when it is needed the most. Grace is knowing when to take a step back and when to lead.

Grace is being calm in the middle of a storm. We really don't know how strong we are until our world is thrown into utter chaos...believe me, I am learning this now.

I strive to walk with Grace. I am going to make mistakes and that is OK.

I strive to act with Grace, speak with Grace and live with Grace

To my friends, I ask for patience, understanding and guidance as I continue my journey.

To that little boy, I thank you for making my life better for having known you. :)

Yes You Can...

Recently, I lost track of what my heart was telling me to do. I thought that I was doing what it was leading me to, but I wasn't. It started with a very simple question. A simple question that went straight through my heart. It stripped me down, peeled back the layers and showed me where my heart truly is...homeschooling. I love every aspect of homeschooling. I love the late nights worrying about choosing the correct curriculum, they show me that I really care. I love the grey hairs from the struggles we have had, it allows me to help guide my children the way they need to go.  I even love those moments that I am completely frustrated with a million questions, they show me that I still have some learning to do. I love when my children question things, it shows their independence! I love Mondays, my co-op friends have become my second family. I love each one of the children like they are my own. I know that this is the single best thing for my family!

I also remembered my love for encouraging new homeschoolers. I understand that homeschooling is not the best fit for every family, but I want to help anyone who would like to try. I want to encourage them to blaze their own trail. I don't want them to be afraid to think outside of the box. It was not that long ago that I was the newbie. I was terrified, this was something new and strange. If I did not have two wonderful mentors, I am not sure I would still be doing this. I hope to be as encouraging, patient and knowledgeable just like they were.

Oh, the question? "Can I ask you a question about homeschooling?". "Yes, yes you can."