Mud, Sweat, and Fears. Mud, Sweat, and Tears. Mud, Sweat, and Beers. Any of these would occasionally be applicable blog titles. The only other title that would really fit more often than not would have been, Home Wasn't Built In A Day.
I am looking to build something great here; not just in my children, but in our family as a whole, our traditions, our home, everything . . . . everything I do revolves around ultimate goals for children, family, home, and self. Some days I expect my house to be perfectly clean and organized, myself to be full of wisdom and patience for each situation, my children to be totally on top of everything I think they should know in thought and behavior. On these days I get discouraged by the fact that we are all far from perfect and my house is a disaster. These tend to be the tears or beers days! Sometimes it can be hard to remember that if I'm building something great, I can't expect it to be built overnight.
God says, "by wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established." He also says that He will complete the good work he has started in me. I have to see this all as a journey, a work in progress. I am a work in progress, not yet the person, wife, and mother I hope to become. My kids are a work in progress. This home and the traditions, routines, and celebrations we will practice in it is constantly evolving. God is the Author and Perfecter of my faith; He started this whole deal and it is on His shoulders to finish it. Rome was grand and it wasn't built in a day. I have big dreams for my children and for their education. I want depth. I want quality. I need patience. I need to be faithful in the little things day by day and not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the big picture. I cannot expect perfection from myself or my kids.
When I was fresh out of college and interviewing for teaching jobs, I used to say things like, "learning is a journey not a destination," and back it up with the sentiment that if I could inspire in students a love of learning and equip them with the skills needed to pursue it, this would be success. I find it pretty amazing that a principal hired me. I think my idealism inspired her a little. My idea of success was squashed under big textbooks and lists of standards, but now as I consider starting my career as an educator all over again here in my own home, it's finding some room to breathe and maybe even triumph over fears, doubts, and comparisons. If I am to believe that learning is a journey and if I want my kids to be on this journey for a lifetime then I need grace, perspective, diligence, and patience, always patience! They will not suddenly begin learning at age five and I do not want them to stop at 18 or 22. We are all works in progress! A work in progress doesn't look pretty at every stage and while the ugly days frustrate me, the Creator of the work always has the finished product in mind and knows what He is doing.
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