The Lord replied, "I will personally go with you...and I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you." Exodus 33:14

Friday, October 21, 2011

Joy follows Obedience

How on earth can I top last week's post?  Furthermore, could my kids possibly enjoy having me teach them after the brilliantly entertaining antics of last week's teacher?  Math did go so much better than it had been--clearly Hillary had an effect on them, which only stands to reason as Hillary's method was very fun AND her mom is, in my opinion, The World's Best Math Teacher. (I'd post a link here to Esther's fan page, but she doesn't have one and would only giggle if I suggested such a thing.)

After a week away, I found myself eagerly anticipating the return to our school room.  I breathed a sigh of contentment as I snuggled down in the beanbag with the kids and our science book.  I had an epiphany:   I'm homeschooling because I like it.  Because it's fun.

There are so many answers to the question, "Why are you homeschooling?"  I always struggle with finding a short one.  So many factors went into the decision.  I care very much that I don't come across as offensive in any way...

The question hasn't troubled Devin a bit.  When asked while at the grocery store during "school hours", he piped in and said, "'Cause I'm awesome!"  Totally true.

I'm not sure that saying I do it "because it's fun" will help much...but it wouldn't be the first time my answer to a question provoked a bewildered look!!  :-)

It does make me chuckle to hear myself say it.  I had so many fears before I took the plunge.  It just reminds me once again that joy follows obedience...every time.  (Note: For us, for this time,  homeschooling was a step of obedience--we don't think that it's for everyone!)

Some pictures of this morning's experiment showing how the electrical forces between water molecules create surface tension:




Rediscovering these things through the eyes of my kids is definitely fun.  Sixty-two drops of water will sit on a toonie ($2 coin)--who knew?

The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7

3 comments:

  1. Bahahahah! Math is going better? That makes me LAUGH! I'm so pleased you think it's b/c of me. I must say I found science to be one of the more interesting subjects...I particularly appreciated learning last week that this one bird actually paints its nest BLUE because it finds it aesthetically pleasing! Very cool. And how could homeschooling NOT be fun when syringes are involved?!? I'll store away that "62 drops of water on a toonie" fact for when I'm on a hot date and need to impress...

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  2. I'm off to find a toonie and 62 drops of water... I wonder, are drops always the same volume...eager to try
    I love home schooling!
    love your photos of the kids in concentration!

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  3. I love your response to questions about homeschooling - "Because it's fun!" I've been saying that lately, too, Michelle!

    Now I am very curious about what you are using for science curriculum...it looks like a whole lot more fun that what I have! :-)

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