Finishing well

Well, it's now officially June, not-quite-officially summer, and the general consensus is that both teachers and students are ready for a break. We've got some grammar to finish and math always takes us well into the summer, but I'm glad to say that my kids are (for the most part) done for this academic year.

I'll be honest here and admit that this year kind of kicked my butt. I felt overwhelmed by all the needs more this year than ever before. Some of that, I'm sure, has to do with Caleb's arrival, but honestly, he's been the easiest part of our homeschool. What has been difficult has been the sheer amount need that has been in evidence. Obviously, with a newborn and five other children (one of which is a Daniel), there are an abundance of need. But I had kind of expected that some of the older children could do a little more without my direct oversight than in previous years. While that has been true in an academic sense, they have needed me more this year to keep them on track, practice diligence, and quit goofing off! (Tell me other mamas and teachers have been here!)

Clearly, this is an area for ongoing character development and training, and I've got no easy fixes for this. It also seems to be an area for growing in diligence and finishing well for me, too - the number of times I wanted to cave and just say, "forget it for the day" have been legion. I know, however, that I'm modeling a work ethic for them. Do I stay strong, do my best and see it through, or do I give up and hope for an easier time of things next year? (Fat chance!)

I know there are moments when it is right to back off, give a little grace, and accept "good enough". There is also the time to press in, give it all you've got, and kick hard to the finish line.

 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

1 Corinthians 9:24

 

So, here we go, seeking to run the race and finish well - there's a prize waiting for us!