Thursday, September 16, 2010

My Calling

As parents, our pride makes us want our children to be the BEST... the BEST soccer player, the quickest learner, the most accomplished pianist, the most graceful ballerina, the one who reads the most books in his or her class, the best artist, et cetera. If you search deeply, I believe we can all admit to wanting "the BEST". As a Christian, I am continually reminded that scores on tests or goals on the field are not as important as the condition of my child's heart. The world tells us that success equals being the BEST and having the highest IQ and best skill set. Thankfully the Lord reminds us in His word, that a relationship with Him, and living our life for Him alone, is most important. As a mama, I often battle with my sinful desires for the BEST.

Since school has started, our dear teachers have called about two of our little ducklings. One is a little frustrated in reading and needs extra reinforcement at home. The other does not learn as quickly as her siblings. New concepts take her a little bit longer to sink in, and we need to reinforce those skills at home too, especially in Math. Being an education major is not the most exciting or thrilling of majors. It definitely does not promote worldly financial success. How thankful I am that I AM a teacher, and that I CAN encourage our little ones at home! God has given me the skills. I just need to use them. I often beat myself up because I have always possessed these skills, and yet with 5 children in 5 years, I tend to spend more time folding their clothes and cooking their meals than I do calling out phonograms and math facts. Yes, these phone calls are difficult, but I am thankful for them. What a gentle reminder that our children are ours for a short time. Their education rests on DH and my shoulders, not the teacher's shoulders. At the end of the day, we are their primary educators. Our teachers are there to assist us. What a blessing that our children go to a school where the largest class size is 13. One of their classes has just six students! How amazing! They are being taught a Classical Christian education where their minds are engaged at the learning stage they are in right now. Their teachers care enough to make that phone call and ask for our help at home.

Yes, I feel like I have failed our 2 little ones in some ways. But how great that God can redeem that. He has equipped me. He is gently reminding me that our children are more important than anything. Their self-worth is in the Lord, and I can encourage that by helping them sharpen their skills and by reminding them of their true worth. I am thankful to know that this is a time to circle our little ducklings and spend even more time ENGAGING them, not just co-existing with them. Often as mothers we co-exist as we work on our committee work or laundry or whatever. There is a balance. One must do our daily tasks, but I even more committed to spending more planned one-on-one time with them.

I have also made a goal to have very few weekday playdates. Their homework is more difficult this year, and we need time to relax at home, have a snack, have a little exercise and then to work on our school work. With 5 children, reading with each one 20 minutes equals one hour and 40 minutes! I am called to be home, engaged with our little ones. I am just thankful that I am aware of my calling! How is the Lord calling you this fall?

10 comments:

Kim said...

This heart felt and honest post is beautifully written and minsters to my heart in so many ways. One of our five is struggling this year too.
Thank you for sharing from the heart and passing along great wisdom!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

Travelbugmom said...

Kim summed it up perfectly!
I wish you wrote this when all of mine were little...it speaks volumes with it's honesty.

My calling? Umm well, we just got a puppy....does that count?

Love Being A Nonny said...

Thank you for this post. I am going to share it with my daughter. SO many moms will benefit from reading this.

My calling is this: "I didn't get everything right when my own children were little. Now I have a chance to do it again. My littles are the WORLD to me. I want them to know they have a Nonny who loves them. Who prays for them all day, Every day. A Nonny they can come to with anything. A Nonny who will always point them to Jesus." THAT is my calling. I couldn't be happier!

CRICKET said...

I really want school to be easier for my children then it was for me so that is my greatest motivation in helping them.

Some of the fondness memories as a child were when my mom would read a chapter every night from a book. And although we were all at different reading levels we could all enjoy it.

The Hutton Family said...

What's a phonogram? I am thinking that I really should know what this term means, but I am not sure if I have ever heard of it before. Oh no! My poor kids! Thanks for your great posts! I always love reading and learning from them!

Kim Reese said...

Thank you for your words of encouragement, you helped me to remember I am here to homeschool my little ones. And spend the extra time with them! XOXO

North of 25A said...

My dear, this post is filled with grace, humilty and gratitude. You are blessed and you know it. It does not get much better than that! And don't worry, the math and reading will come in time. Locust Valley is a VERY affluent area; when my son was ready for college he simply did not apply himself and was much more concerned with playing sports. I almost had a total breakdown - and I kid you not - because here on the North Shore it is ALL ABOUT where you go to school, etc., etc. Community college is just not done. Well, to make a long story short(er), my son is one of the finest human beings you will ever meet. He does not have a 4 yr. degree - which still does cause me worry, but not shame. And the kicker? He recently got a tatoo (I hate them), but it is small & personal. It says: Thy Will Be Done. That was worth more than any degree from the finest university!
xoxox
Colleen

Unknown said...

What an awesome post. I am going through the same thing with my oldest. But I'm not a teacher & still trying to figure out my calling...

Anonymous said...

Well said, sweet friend!

WendyLou

bevy said...

So well put! We are all caled to minister our children in whatever needs they have. And so true in my own life with the blessing of having taught in a school for dyslexic children... And having a dyslexic child of my own. Who is brilliant, by the way!