Sunday Insights: Humility of a Child

Last week, we had one of those days which didn't seem to work out right. I am delving into some new curriculums based on the Classical Methodology for our homeschooling. As soon as I work out the kinks I will post on my new vision and direction for next year. It is requiring an intensive effort on my part. However, I feel the end results will be excellent and not too labor intensive on a day to day basis.

Some things work and some don't. The particular line up I tried, on this day last week, didn't. Ellery was a bit grumpy on top of everything. We finished the morning, and I felt a huge chasm between where I want my teaching and mothering skills to be, and the reality of the day.

And then, this:

We've recently read some Graeme Base books, thus the girls are enthralled with incorporating hidden letters and pictures into everything.

Certain days I more vividly reminded of how much I have to learn from my children. On this particular morning, I felt more confused by the words of the Savior to his disciples in Matthew 18:2-3

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I way unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

I wondered how it could possibly help me to be difficult, and grumpy, stamp my foot, let fly an occasional, extremely loud outburst...But then again, I wasn't responding in perhaps the most effective manner.

And yet, my sweet little Ellery, at first occasion upon arrival home from school wrote me a love note. She seems convinced I am the most wonderful mother in the world and our time together is precious and even "fun" to her, this all springing forth from her little heart on one of our hardest days.

Matthew 18:4-5

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."

I pray fervently to have this kind of forgiving heart, and see through weaknesses in others and love so unconditionally as my children do. In so doing, I will receive Christ, more fully and completely.