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My family and I are embarking on a new journey this fall. It involves books and time and patience and togetherness — lots and lots of each.
This new journey is homeschooling.Homeschooling: a journey
Once, eons ago, I’d considered homeschooling but determined it was beyond my comfort level at the time. This year, however, we decided to give it a try.
Receiving instruction from my husband, myself, and teachers of a few Catholic online courses, our four children have just finished the first month of our family’s new adventure.
So far — although we do still miss our old way of doing things — homeschooling has been a gift.
During this time of increased togetherness, my husband and I have noticed our children developing deeper bonds.
Although it’s only natural for each of us to need space at times, surrounded by each other all day every day, our children inevitably do talk and play with each other more, laugh together more, show more compassion.
As the leaves change and fall brushes its colorful strokes across the landscape, I am reminded that times are changing, my children are changing, and so am I.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
I am not the same person I was a year ago.
Yearning for yesterday
Part of me yearns for the precious days that are long gone with golden summers past, yet part of me is grateful for the maturity these new days bring.
Don’t get me wrong. Just yesterday I looked out the window and had to yell, “Stop wiping yogurt on your brother! That’s not Christian behavior!”
Maturity takes time. For all of us, children and adults alike. With God’s help, we can bear it gracefully.
Of course, every day is not a panacea, and that’s okay. Whether we are facing our own personal struggles or trying to help our children through theirs, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
All God wants is for us to trust Him amid life’s changes and challenges. Some days I can do this. Other days I cannot. But there is one thing I want my children to remember and strive toward as they grow: if you put God first, the rest will follow.
It’s a lesson my own mother taught me when I was young, a lesson I have been reminded of time and time again throughout my life, and one that, in my human failings, I seem to have to re-learn.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).
It’s a message of trust. And hope. And reaching toward God no matter where your journey takes you.
And in these times of change, it’s a message to strive to put into wholehearted practice.
Julianne Nornberg, mother of four young children, is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee.