Climbing Mt. Homeschooling
Dec. 28, 2005 at 9:31 AM
I was discouraged about the progress of our homeschooling recently. I dumped my tale of woe to my dear husband. (Over a Starbuck's of course.) "Nothing seemed to going as planned." I lamented. "How did I ever think I could teach one child how to figure out the area of a circle, while training another to figure out the circular area in the bathroom? " I was having a classic woe is me meltdown moment.
My husband, the steady one, just listened attentively. Bless his heart, living with me all these years, he has learned it is better to listen than speak at times like these. Lest my pity party cross over into the dreaded "and it's all your fault" discussion. For which, I will later regret and have to make ammends. Finally exhausted, I paused for a few minutes to catch my breath.
"Do you know what it's like to climb Mount Everest?" he asked.
"No. You know me. If it has anything to do with athletics I'm blissfully clueless."
"Well, that's what you're doing."
"Huh."
"I just read an article on it. When you climb Mount Everest there are times of sheer endurance. Moments that test your stamina and ability to climb one foot higher. As you climb higher the
pressure intensifies. You're in one of those times right now. But if you keep going you'll eventually get to the next camp. When you do, you'll look back down the mountain and wonder how you made it. But you made it. Then its time to sit, rest, and acclamate yourself to the conditions at that level. That's just as important as the climb. You need to get used to the air at that level otherwise your brain can't handle the pressure. Then with a burst of energy you'll tackle the next climb only to be tested even more. The closer you get to the top the more strength it will take. But God has given us the ability to meet the challenges if we endure the hard times and rest as necessary. The challenge for you is not to give up when it's difficult. And not to rest too long that you don't go to the next level. "
That was the most encouraging thing he could say to me. He didn't try to pretend it would be easy. He perfectly described my atttitude and my struggle. He knew I wanted to continue. But the pressure of the moment were causing my mind to go a little crazy with anxiety.
Homeschooling our children is our goal. He was climbing it with me. But his strength gives him the ability to handle the struggles in a much different way. He can't climb the mountain for me. It is something I must learn to do, leaning on him and the Lord for guidance up to the top.
Curious, I decided to google how to climb Mount Everest . Here's a paragraph that I found.
It is a mountain to be climbed. We look at the summit from a distance below and wonder how am I ever going to get there from here. We hear the stories of those who have finished and wonder will we finish as well? Will my children be all that I envision them to be? More importantly, will they become all that God envisions them to be? " Mt. Homeschooling" will have a lasting effect on all those who have challenged its heights. I have been tested in ways I never imagined. Even with all the advanced preparation and research there are always unforseen challenges. . But just like Mount Everest I know that when I persevere and continue the climb to the top I will receive a lifetime dose of humility and exhilaration.
My husband, the steady one, just listened attentively. Bless his heart, living with me all these years, he has learned it is better to listen than speak at times like these. Lest my pity party cross over into the dreaded "and it's all your fault" discussion. For which, I will later regret and have to make ammends. Finally exhausted, I paused for a few minutes to catch my breath.
"Do you know what it's like to climb Mount Everest?" he asked.
"No. You know me. If it has anything to do with athletics I'm blissfully clueless."
"Well, that's what you're doing."
"Huh."
"I just read an article on it. When you climb Mount Everest there are times of sheer endurance. Moments that test your stamina and ability to climb one foot higher. As you climb higher the
pressure intensifies. You're in one of those times right now. But if you keep going you'll eventually get to the next camp. When you do, you'll look back down the mountain and wonder how you made it. But you made it. Then its time to sit, rest, and acclamate yourself to the conditions at that level. That's just as important as the climb. You need to get used to the air at that level otherwise your brain can't handle the pressure. Then with a burst of energy you'll tackle the next climb only to be tested even more. The closer you get to the top the more strength it will take. But God has given us the ability to meet the challenges if we endure the hard times and rest as necessary. The challenge for you is not to give up when it's difficult. And not to rest too long that you don't go to the next level. " That was the most encouraging thing he could say to me. He didn't try to pretend it would be easy. He perfectly described my atttitude and my struggle. He knew I wanted to continue. But the pressure of the moment were causing my mind to go a little crazy with anxiety.
Homeschooling our children is our goal. He was climbing it with me. But his strength gives him the ability to handle the struggles in a much different way. He can't climb the mountain for me. It is something I must learn to do, leaning on him and the Lord for guidance up to the top.
Curious, I decided to google how to climb Mount Everest . Here's a paragraph that I found.
In life, and sometimes in death, Mount Everest has had a lasting effect on all of those who have challenged its heights. It can vanquish those who disrespect it, and mercilessly test those who honor it. Yet Everest is indifferent to your presence. Climb it and you will receive a lifetime dose of humility and exhilaration.While no analogy is perfect, I think this might describe homeschooling.
It is a mountain to be climbed. We look at the summit from a distance below and wonder how am I ever going to get there from here. We hear the stories of those who have finished and wonder will we finish as well? Will my children be all that I envision them to be? More importantly, will they become all that God envisions them to be? " Mt. Homeschooling" will have a lasting effect on all those who have challenged its heights. I have been tested in ways I never imagined. Even with all the advanced preparation and research there are always unforseen challenges. . But just like Mount Everest I know that when I persevere and continue the climb to the top I will receive a lifetime dose of humility and exhilaration.
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press 0n toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.Phillipians 3:13-14
7 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by Harriette on Dec. 28, 2005 at 9:45 AM
excellent analogy ~ Bless your husband!!
Harriette
posted by KayinMaine on Dec. 28, 2005 at 12:04 PM
Thank you so much for an inspiring reminder that we are all in this for the long haul. Thanks also for an informative and well-writen blog.
posted by Anonymous on Dec. 28, 2005 at 1:27 PM
Your husband's wise words touched this mama too, Spunky!
Thanks for sharing it with us...
Love,
Carla
posted by JoysintheJourney on Dec. 28, 2005 at 1:28 PM
That comment was from me...;-)
posted by Redeemed on Dec. 28, 2005 at 6:45 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience. I had a good laugh at the crossing over to "it's all your fault" comment. That was hilarious! I spontaneously broke out in laughter. How many times have I crossed over with my honey? Too many times, I'm afraid...
Your words were not only funny, but seriously encouraging. Thanks.
posted by KarenW on Dec. 28, 2005 at 11:02 PM
Just the encouragement I needed as I climb this mountain called "Homeschooling on the road" Thanks!
posted by DandelionSeeds on Dec. 29, 2005 at 1:02 AM
Thank you!
In Him,
Amy