Long Day Lessons

So, it's 4:16pm and I am in the middle of doing dishes and making dinner....reflecting on the day and how I repeated myself today nothing short of 100 times- per phrase coming out of my mouth......100x each! (might be a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one) Doubling the role of mom and teacher, makes me like a broken record on steroids. Most days I question my sanity. I know I chose this homeschool path & I'm 100% still glad I did. (that's a different post) But still, today was "Oh God, please" kind of long.

I am standing here in the kitchen thinking as I wash dishes, of things I can change or do to lessen interruptions and to eliminate me having to say the same things over and over and over and over and over and over (...continued for eternity) again. Maybe a reward system instead of a punishment system? Maybe just aim for all around more consistent consequences (well, duh Jenn. that one is always on the list) Or maybe a way to encourage better listening skills? After all, if you don't hear the directions or commands to begin with, than the outcome probably won't be obedience. They can't get it right if they don't hear it.  How can I get them to not tune me out? How can I get them to hang onto my words....to lean in and listen for what I have to say?

By now, this last idea is getting good to me (and the plate I'm scrubbing is getting extra clean) You can't obey if you don't hear....listening has to be at least 50% of the act of obedience (or something like that)

Then, bam. Lightbulb.

I assume God intended that our struggles in loving and teaching our children would point to him. And I assume, when we are plotting our new life strategies to promote obedience in our home - he hopes we see the parallel in how he desires our obedience. It does for me so often.

So, maybe I have a new tactic to try with the kids at Sapaugh Academy this week, but I also have a bit more.

I can't follow and obey what God has for me, if I am not leaning in to hear him. If my following him is lost in the chaos and noise - chances are I prolly won't get it right. But if my ears are tuned in for the sound of His voice, then I will not only hear, but also have the chance to obey.

Pretty basic. Pretty neccessary. Tune Him in, not out.