Reality check. Learning is not instant. It takes time. There will be days on the homeschool journey you will want to jump to the next mountain of knowledge in one leap. Just to move on. Just to feel progress. Soft breezes will call your name drawing your attention toward the distant horizon. It has more sunshine. Flowers are brighter. Cute fuzzy animals sing in harmony.
You look down at the pile of math facts, language skills, handwriting practice sheets covering your feet. Movement is impossible. Try walking. You can’t. Glue sticks have crawled out of their hiding places and are keeping you immobile. If you could merely leap, all would be well. Peace is in sight.
Stop. Just stop it.
Glare at the glue sticks. You will not be stuck forever.
Learning is not chunks of information. A math fact does not a person make. You are the result of precious small life moments. Moments existing in-between “big picture” lessons. Stare at the distant horizon, see it for what it is. Illusion.
The peak of the mountain is not where true learning occurs. It’s just a shiny metal won after the event. A token to place on a shelf and dust annually. Real learning occurs in the valley. During the long walk. Where you find your super strengths and true friends are revealed. It’s where patience is practiced. It’s where you learn hope is never in vain.
Glue can always be washed off.
Another math game can always be played.
Clear your vision and see the beauty of the valley. Walk slowly. Cherish your child. Racing to the peak of the mountain will only shortchange the moment.
Fight the illusion. Be constant in prayer.
Make those glue sticks tremble in fear!