Wintery Blahs

October 21, 2009 by admin.

The still, gray days of November are upon us, and it’s a big temptation to sleep in and let the day go by without accomplishing much school-wise.  We justify it by saying no one would get anything out of it anyway because they can’t concentrate when they feel so ‘blah’. It’s a huge temptation to turn on the TV or video for the little ones while we sip hot tea or chocolate and catch up on Facebook or latest gossip on the phone, or read.   Been there, done that. (Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.)   

It’s on the gray days that we have to deal with the “I don’t want to’s” of those who are still learning character. (We ARE responsible to teach them that, you know. J ) When we show weakness in consistency, it’s so easy for them to see it.  A good rule of thumb is:  There is more caught than taught. 

If your children have been in public school, or even Christian school, it is now probably the time when they will say things like, “It was more fun in school than here at home” or “I miss my friends.”  Because I homeschooled from the beginning, I never had to wade through the ‘school comparison’  muck.  I know it’s hard when they have had fun with friends and now all the sudden they are faced with temptation.  YES, I said temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13.)  Even always-homeschooled kids tend to complain at times. That’s how I know it’s a temptation!

It is easier to skip that fight, rather than pick it today. So don’t fight.  You are the parent. You make the rules.   No, beating them is not an option!  They do have an opinion.  They just expressed it.  Now, you must show wisdom and discretion.  They are old enough to understand the Lord’s plan for the home.  Re-iterate that with a smile on your lips and a song in your heart and you will be a wise parent.  Do you honestly think that our enemies (the world, the flesh and the Devil) want it to be easy?  Step up, homeschooling parent.  You are not only fighting YOUR blahs, but also your children’s blahs. 

Be encouraged! Remember, that everyone has a bad day now and then, and sometimes even a bad week sneaks up on us!  Everyone is subject to them, everyone fails now and then!  But get back up.  Don’t give up! Don’t get overwhelmed!

There are ways around the blahs.

Make it fun. Bake cookies.  Tell stories.  Bundle up and gather pretty leaves, then drink hot cocoa with marshmallows!   Soon, Thanksgiving will be here!  Start on a Thanksgiving project.  Make pretty napkin holders from construction paper for the table, or start a paper chain for the Christmas tree.  No, it’s not too early!   Bake an apple pie for dessert. Draw a picture for Daddy.  Fingerpaint a fall tree! Use the leaves you gathered to make a picture!   Life has to be lived.  Paperwork has to be done, but then – have a HOME school.  Enjoy your children while they are small.  If they are half grown, like mine, they tend to do what they have to do without much whining.  But I have been where you are. 

That doesn’t mean that I have stopped fighting the blahs of my household. Today I have filled my house with good smells – a candle in the warmer, chili in the crock pot, a fresh pot of coffee.  I have turned on the washing machine and swept the carpet (when the floor is clean the whole house looks better!)  I am listening to some upbeat Irish music as I write, and remembering my friends who have been such a blessing to me!  I have on warm, snuggy house shoes given to me by my sister, Maggie.  I have on clothes given to me by my bestest friend, Patricia, and another great sister in Christ.  I have food to spare in the pantry, and my bills are paid!  My husband has work today.  My kids are (mostly) well;

I am reaping the benefits of early training.  Sarah is doing Biology and Economics.  Leah is teaching

You don’t have to live in chaos.  God is not the author of confusion -1 Cor. 14:33.  And I honestly don’t think he’s the author of the blahs.  You can win this battle today, Child of God!  Pray for me, I am praying for you.  J

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