Still Learning...

If there was a superlative that I thought would have fit me a year ago, it would be, "Most Likely To NOT Homeschool Her Children."  But, here we are nearly five months into our school year, and loving every minute of it.  I'm so thankful that God guides our paths and takes us down roads we never would travel on our own.


It's helpful that the little Mr. and little Miss are easy to teach and love to learn.  I have no idea what the future holds for our family as far as homeschooling goes, but for now it is a good fit for us.  I am so grateful I can teach them and be with them to see them grow and learn.  Mommy is learning too.


Each day we start with a Bible devotion, and a character trait we are studying for the week.  This week I introduced the fruit of the spirit (Galations 5:22-23), discussed what they are and how they relate to us and God's desire to see these qualities exhibited in us.  We are breaking it down to study one fruit a week with a goal for the kids to memorize the fruits of the spirit, and then find opportunities each day to exhibit these traits.  Youtube didn't disappoint, and we found this little diddy to help us remember the fruit of the spirit...

Not going to sugarcoat it...the song kind of drives me crazy and gets stuck in your head, but it drives home the point, and the kiddos love it.  


Learning the fruit of the spirit has been a great reminder for me as well, not only as a mom, but as a wife and in all other relationships in my life.


But, I have a confession.  This morning I wasn't really exhibiting the fruit of the spirit...in particular patience.  I was being impatient with the kids, and frankly I wasn't gentle either.  I was sort of lost in myself, but was so humbled when the little Mr. walked over to me, mustered up his most respectful voice and said, "Excuse me mama...but you're not showing the fruit of the spirit.  We're supposed to be patient and gentle. Remember?" At that moment I didn't really know what to say.  So, I just nodded.


We piled ourselves in the car, and I felt so pressed to thank him for reminding me of God's truth.  I said, "Hey buddy, thank you so much for reminding mommy to be patient and gentle.  Sometimes mommies forget these things and need to be reminded too.  Please forgive me for not being patient."  


He could have remarked on how I totally blew it.  Or he could have laughed at my foolishness for not being a good example.  But, in his grace he said, "It's okay mommy!  I still love you and I know you have another chance to make it right!"  Then, he prayed for our short drive to Tae Kwon Do.  This was his sweet prayer:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for our car and keep us safe on the road.  And thank you for the fruit of the spirit and help me and Eva and mommy and daddy to remember them every day. And thank you that you help us when we forget. Amen."

Amen.