Category: Time Management

A New School Year

Published on by Kim

If you are a mother of school-aged children, this post is for you. While the main principle applies to a lot more than the new school year, we will be specifically discussing that situation.

We all vividly remember how the last school year ended, even if we are trying to block it out for the summer. Whether your district closed down completely or successfully went online, whether changes came early or late, things were different across the board. Many families ended up schooling and working and living together 24/7, without the normal breaks in routine and location.

Now, we are looking to start all over again. There is a wide variety in the plans of school districts and businesses, but this fall may include similarities to the spring. If you are planning to continue schooling at home — in whatever form — how are you preparing for that?

We will continue in future posts to discuss some specific tips: boundaries, preparation, and perspective. But before we go there, let’s stop and think.

What worked last time? We try different things as we adjust. Some things work well, and some don’t. Sometimes success is accidental, but take advantage of it anyway. If the research is already done, don’t waste it. Take note.

  • Did you have sufficient internet service? Did you up your service to a level that did work?
  • Did everyone have a place to work that had enough space and quiet?
  • Was the revised daily routine smooth and productive for everyone?
  • Were you able to revise meal plans and make them work?
  • Did you find ways to continue important relationships outside the home without spending time together in person?

We all have things in common, but we have just as much unique in our lives. Know what worked for you. If it was helpful to you before, plan on using it again this fall.

What didn’t work? There were probably some pain points that never got solved. What was aggravating for you? What was frustrating to your students? Take a minute to identify these points. That’s the first step in solving the problem.

  • Did your schedule have enough quiet time and active time?
  • Is everyone comfortable with the required technology?
  • Do you have enough devices to cover work and school?
  • Are you aware of assistance you may need and where to access it?

Now we can address those things and — hopefully — eliminate them.

Stop and Study the Roses

Published on by Kim

Life lived at a high pace exacts a greater cost than we realize. The ability to slow down and take time to study and pen thoughts is seen as a luxury when it should be seen as a necessity. — Ravi Zacharias in Beyond Opinion

Why do we take time to study Scripture, or dig into a good book, or have a rich conversation, or just think? Do we take that time because it is important, or do we actually see it as a luxury — nice if it works out but no urgency?

We are good stewards of the mind and materials given to us. Or, if you prefer: You have a brain, use it. Most, if not all, of us reading this are highly educated. This blessing of education is on top of the brain with which we were born. Both mind and education are gifts, so why waste them? Further, we have access to more intellectual material at this point in history than any other point. We have books to read, libraries to visit, classes to take, lectures to absorb — such abundance! How are we using that for good?

We communicate the glory of God. The context of the Zacharias quotation above is apologetics — defending your faith. If we are not dwelling on truth and wrestling with concepts, what do we have to share? What answers do we have to questions? How can we encourage each other? Fulfilling our calling (I Peter 2:9) requires some thought.

Let us labour assiduously to increase in knowledge, that ours may be a deeply rooted and rational affection. — William Wilberforce in A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians…Contrasted with Real Christianity

In addition to stewardship and sharing, Wilberforce points out one more reason above. We can love God more deeply. If we know only one aspect of who God is, we can worship Him greatly. But how much greater will our love be when we learn more? We may be thankful now for the water cycle, but our awe and gratitude will grow as we understand the solar system also. A basic understanding of salvation is a cause for overwhelming joy. How much more is in store as we continue in exploration of what God has done?