Words of Wisdom

A few years ago I was at the library with my kids. I was letting them browse and play on the computers while I read my e-mails and surfed the blogosphere. I came upon Missey Gray’s blog, named Heartschooling, probably because I was looking at the Ambleside Curriculum. I don’t even think I landed on her first page. But I was reading through her blog when it came to an abrupt end. Missey died a few hours after giving birth.

I never met Missey or had any online discussions with her. Yet from reading her blog I know she was a very conscientious and dedicated homeschooler.

This particular entry made in December 2006, a few months before her death, is one of my favorites. When things get out of focus, or seem too burdensome, I like to read it. It seems to me that now, with the uncertainty of the economy and major changes in our government, as well as the normal stress of the holidays, Missey’s words are as relevant now as ever for all moms, whether they are homeschooling or not.

The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom. – A December Retreat at Home:

“This is the first year that I have given myself permission to take all of December off from schooling and it has been wonderful!

Anyway, that’s why I’ve been so quiet lately. We have been enjoying lots of family time this month. I think a month-long break is just what we needed! We have played games, eaten pizza, looked at Christmas lights, listened to Christmas music, burned scented candles, tried new recipes, enjoyed family get-togethers, gone shopping (both IRL and online), watched the birds, made Christmas ornaments, and lounged around in our PJ’s and slippers as much as possible. 😀

Life has been so laid-back and relaxed that I don’t know how we’ll ever get back on track come January, but I’m not going to think about that right now. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I’m enjoying making memories with my family and letting all the worries and stresses roll right off my back. They’ll be there for another day. But for today I’m going to get my Love Bank filled back up with kisses and hugs and quiet conversations (while making those same kinds of deposits into each of my loved one’s Love Banks) and regain the strength to face all those worries and stresses that will still be waiting for me come January. I think that by then they won’t seem so big anymore anyway. ;-)”

var addthis_pub = ‘elljazz’;