my letter (to me) about this new school year

Big breath. It’s that time of year. The time when schedules get full and the leaves start to fall. Things will be changing — the kids are growing and you’re starting with new routines. Exciting, isn’t it? Full of possibilities and new things and learning.

This year, I want to remind you to slow down. Claim your family time. Don’t let the activities whittle away from the time with each of those around. So choose wisely. Yes, it looks great on paper, but will it look as wonderful three weeks into the year? Will you be lamenting those hours or grateful? Remember — time is a gift. You’ve only got one shot at those 24 hours in each day.

And dinner. Guard dinner time. Find a slow cooker and utilize the recipes. Get salads and soups. But, most important, sit together around that table. Make it a habit. And while you’re sitting there start the conversation. Go around and tell each other what you love about each other. Do some trivia. Remember and tell funny stories. And sit back — enjoy those loved ones gathered around. Be still and just be.

Learn with your kids. If it’s American History than talk about Paul Revere and the Liberty Bell. Take a trip — find some museums. Paint with them. Laugh with them. Practice math facts together. Rent movies that work with what you’re learning. Go on nature walks and sit and watch the leaves fall to the ground. Don’t rush and race from one thing to the next. Trace those leaves and design a collage. Make learning simply part of life.

And, ah yes, don’t compare. I have to keep on reminding you to not compare. I know you — you look and think, “what about that option?” or “should I switch” or “I’ll never measure up.” Just keep going. Keep with that curriculum. Homeschooling takes work. Hard work. Stick with it even when you want to quit. Offer it to the Lord. Daily. Hourly.

And pray. Pray without ceasing this year. In the good days and the bad days and the medium days and the healthy days and the sick days and the rainy days and the snowy days and the tired days and the crazy days and the grateful days and the monotonous days and the fabulous days and just the every day days. Just keep praying.

This is the only time you’ll get this school year with your kiddos — don’t be afraid of this — embrace it. Run with it. Get your hands dirty and play with them. Read. And laugh. And take time to sit back and simply enjoy life. This life you’ve got is a gift.

That’s that. Simple. So much possibility. Live each day grateful for the moment and finding joy.

You can do it.

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how about you? what would you include?