The last year for us has been one about stepping out of our comfort zone and taking chances. We started homeschooling and it is has not been the easiest choice to say the least. With four children, two of them toddlers, a house to take care of, laundry overflowing, dinners to cook, and a myriad of other things going on, it would have been much easier to keep the two older kids in school. However, easier isn't necessarily better.
One of the best rewards for stepping out and making the choice to homeschool, was seeing a very shy 8 year old boy step out and take some chances too. Blake has always been like me, and probably always will be. From his stubborness, to his determination, all the way down to how very shy I was as a child. Never wanting to have the attention focused on me, never wanting to be out in front of everyone, satisfied being a wallflower, except on the inside. Inside, I was always wishing I could step out and not be afraid to do all the things that I secretly wanted to do. I've watched for years and I've seen Blake struggle with the same things. I never anticipated homeschooling helping with that, as a matter of fact, I thought there was a chance it could get worse. It hasn't gotten worse, just the opposite. I have seen my once shy boy try so many new things. Now granted, he is still like his mother and will still have the occasional panic attack from time to time. When he signed up to play Upwards basketball last fall, his exact words before heading in to his first practice was " Why in the world did I say I wanted to do this?!!" but He overcame his fears, and went on to enjoy it very much. Since then, he has recited The Gettysburg Address twice in front of our church congregation, he has played baseball. He actually made the all-star team and went to the state championships. He has made new friends, and just recently has started guitar lessons. He loves it, and seems to have a nack for it.
One of the best rewards for stepping out and making the choice to homeschool, was seeing a very shy 8 year old boy step out and take some chances too. Blake has always been like me, and probably always will be. From his stubborness, to his determination, all the way down to how very shy I was as a child. Never wanting to have the attention focused on me, never wanting to be out in front of everyone, satisfied being a wallflower, except on the inside. Inside, I was always wishing I could step out and not be afraid to do all the things that I secretly wanted to do. I've watched for years and I've seen Blake struggle with the same things. I never anticipated homeschooling helping with that, as a matter of fact, I thought there was a chance it could get worse. It hasn't gotten worse, just the opposite. I have seen my once shy boy try so many new things. Now granted, he is still like his mother and will still have the occasional panic attack from time to time. When he signed up to play Upwards basketball last fall, his exact words before heading in to his first practice was " Why in the world did I say I wanted to do this?!!" but He overcame his fears, and went on to enjoy it very much. Since then, he has recited The Gettysburg Address twice in front of our church congregation, he has played baseball. He actually made the all-star team and went to the state championships. He has made new friends, and just recently has started guitar lessons. He loves it, and seems to have a nack for it.
He still gets nervous when he hears he might have to play in a recital, but who doesn't.
So, when I have a crazy homeschooling day and question the success of it all, I need not look any further than my wonderful, handsome, sweet now 9 year old son. He reminds me that his stepping out of his comfort zone, and the growth I have seen in him, is directly caused by me stepping out of my comfort zone as well.
Love you, Buddy!
So, when I have a crazy homeschooling day and question the success of it all, I need not look any further than my wonderful, handsome, sweet now 9 year old son. He reminds me that his stepping out of his comfort zone, and the growth I have seen in him, is directly caused by me stepping out of my comfort zone as well.
Love you, Buddy!
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