• Sep. 5, 2008
It Worked for Me
Okay, so yesterday was a rough day. We all have them. Right off the bat in the AM, the kids were all ganging up on me. There was no mercy. #1 didn't want #2 to set the table because she might get "boy germs" on her silverware. #2 didn't want help making his breakfast and burnt his finger on the toaster. #3 just wouldn't stop whining and wanted to sit on my lap constantly, which made it hard to nurse screaming #4. Then when school started, #2 just would NOT cooperate, and fought me every step of the way. #2 was still forcing herself on my lap. I found myself reading and re-reading my "Why We Homeschool" canvas. The first few times it actually helped me focus back on the prize. But after awhile, I just felt defeated and it was only about 11:00 AM! Then my husband phoned to inform me he would be working Saturday too. Arghh! So, I decided we would take a longer than normal lunch break, and I set to work cleaning the floors. After a few minutes I realized I was actually REALLY enjoying scrubbing the floors! I then deducted it was probably because I was seeing PROGRESS in what I was laboring at. As homeschoolers, sometimes it's hard to see progress. We get frustrated and feel like we're failing. But have faith, we are not. Even on those rough days, progress is made. The kids needed a break too, I think. After the time off, even #2 did his work without complaining. So I have decided that the next time I experience a more frustrating than normal school day, I will clean. It will be my task to get myself back on track. Something about really scrubbing with a lot of energy helps take that pent up anger away, too. And when I'm done, I have a shiny floor, too. :)
I thought my day was improving until I had an interesting expereince with my home business. I teach music lessons - piano and voice, out of my home. I have a degree in this, and have been teaching for 15 years. I had a new family starting lessons, and the mom had spent quite a long time on the phone with me asking me questions about policies, procedures, and teaching methods. After their lesson yesterday, (which I enjoyed - the children were wonderful and intelligent), the mom informed me that they would not be returning due to the fact my children were present in my home at the time. Mind you, I had a babysitter watching them, and they were actually outside most of the time. She insinuated it was unprofessional for me to teach with them home and suggested I should have arranged for them to be elsewhere. Um, they live here. She was positive that other teachers who teach out of their homes would never have a situation like mine because it is not an "appropriate learning environment". I was quite shocked by many of her words. I didn't respond much, out loud that is! Well, my teachers growing up had their kids at home, and never had a sitter. That's kind of the whole point of the HOME business - to have a money-making opportunity without having to leave your home and kids. In fact, I have NEVER had anyone say anything about it before, in 15 years. Most of the students who take lessons with me love to play with my kids. (Especially if they're waiting for a sibling's lesson to finish) They become part of my family in a sense. They don't need to knock, they walk right in. They open their hearts to me during their lessons. I have always seen my lessons as a ministry in this way. Kids will tell me all kinds of things, and I have been so blessed to form many close relationships with my students. They tell me their fears, and have even cried on my shoulder. Music is such an emotional expereince, and music lessons seem to really open people up. Of course, this family is TOTALLY entitled to their opinion, and what works for some simply does not work for others. It just hurt my feelings, because I'm a mom FIRST. I took it as a personal attack, even though I'm sure it wasn't meant to be one. I've been offered positions teaching at studios, but why do that when the Lord ALWAYS provides enough students to keep me busy at home? After a good, long cry (all day building), I felt much better. I remembered all the happy students I've taught over the years. I remembered the many recitals and their inspiring moments. I remembered that several of my past students are now music teachers themselves. These things tell me I am doing what God wants me to do. I may not be the "best" teacher, but I know I'm called to do it, and do it at my home. My home fosters a more cozy environment than a studio to allow me to connect with students on a more personal level. When they enjoy their lessons, they do better. They will remember being welcome in my home and around my family, and that makes me happy. :)
I woke up to a new day today. Look what God reminded me of in my kids' devotion for the day : Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
"THEREFORE, MY DEAR BROTHERS, STAND FIRM. LET NOTHING MOVE YOU. ALWAYS GIVE YOURSELVES FULLY TO THE WORK OF THE LORD, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN"
