If you're unsure what Civics is, it's the study of government with an emphasis on personal rights and responsibilities. If you're unsure what a co-op is, it's a bunch of homeschooling families coming together to offer their kids special group classes, taught by hired (albeit not expert) instructors. This year's classes for my kids include art, speech, gym, science fair project, and health, in addition to Civics. www.cchomeschoolers.org
Suddenly I'm reading every political current event article, writing my legislators thank you notes, surfing the web for lesson plans, and relearning the difference between a democracy and a republic...oh, and LOVING it! Here is the question I will present on the first day of class as we explore rights vs. resposibilities. It was inspired by a recent Rochester Post-Bulletin article: should a person be allowed to use a toilet as an outdoor planter?
Something new. There is so much joy in it. It's what I try to teach my children: don't ever stop learning something new.
I observe the current something news of my little family, as they spend their loosely structured summer hours. For Noah at age 13, it's delving into sports statistics, navigating the new world of Facebook, developing his acting and singing skills, and pushing through a challenging piano piece.
At almost 11, Megan has to have her hands busy creating something new if her nose isn't in a book. And 8-yr-old Grace wants to learn and master games, perfect her musical theater jazz hands, and see how many ways she can write her name in bubble letters. Dave is learning how to play his new homemade Irish whistles and figuring out our complicated new recording equipment so he can teach me in Kindergarten language.
OK, so there's plenty of Netflix streaming and Wii playing, too. The kids have made it through multiple seasons of The Brady Bunch and advanced many game levels. I have wasted too much time blindly scanning Facebook when I should be cleaning. I have chosen to eat more ice cream and run less miles. Nothing new there. (weak sigh)
Pastor Tim reminded me of one of my favorite verses in Psalm 16 last Sunday.
You have drawn boundary lines in pleasant places.
With each something new, the boundary lines expand, wisdom deepens through joys and hardships, and a mind set on gratitude and faith calls it all a pleasant place.
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