Our church has been offering a parenting class on Wednesday nights. Jeremy and I kicked off the first week with a focus on family culture. We talked about the feel of our homes and what our children are absorbing from living alongside us. We talked about our calendars and what they say about our priorities. It was an interesting conversation for Jeremy and I have to have together, but then we made it even more intriguing by asking our boys what they thought. You never know what is going to come out of the mouth of kids.
The major “halleluiah” moment for me was when Graham said our calendar shows that people matter. We’ve been in a busy season. As the person who most often orders the family calendar, I wonder from time to time if it’s worth the effort. It can be a lot of work to coordinate our social calendar, on top of our church calendar, on top of our family calendar, on top of our school calendar… In the last month, we’ve had a perfect storm of “busy” on all fronts. It’s all been good, but it’s also been a lot.
I have to remind myself that I chose to say yes to all these commitments. I set this pace! It’s not a negative thought. I find it empowering to know that I can course correct. I can make a change and adjust. Circle back to Graham’s answer, though. People matter. Our calendar shows we value people. The highlight for me – the kids see it! I even felt valued in that moment. All the energy I’ve put into coordinating our last month was for a purpose. Praise the Lord!
Now, I do have hopes for more margin in November. The last month has been full to the max. So much good stuff, but not a sustainable long-term pace. People matter and we will still see plenty of people in November. But… Rest also matters. Quiet matters. November is often a month to focus on gratitude. I have a greater capacity for gratitude when I’m not trying to keep up with a calendar I accidently overfilled. So, I am blessing October for all the goodness it held. It was month long celebration. And, I am looking forward to a soulful November where there will be space to pause.
On the list of things I am most grateful for… people! We are blessed with wonderful friends and family. We get to do life alongside some truly awesome people! I am thankful for the opportunities that our church community provide and for the families we get to do this homeschool adventure with. We are surrounded by meaningful relationships that encourage and strengthen our family. I’m also grateful for kiddos who see the investment and value of connection. I’m also thankful for a hubby who either goes along with my crazy suggestions or helps me scale back when I’ve gone too far. Jeremy is forever balancing me out in all the best ways. So many reasons to be thankful this month!
