March is my favorite time to revive our garden, start seeds, and plant new flowers— the main reason for scheduling a three-week long Spring break! I love seeing everyone working together in the garden, chatting the day away, enjoying each other , and making special memories even when their energy fades towards sunset.
LIVING IDEAS
The Will is, in fact, the instrument by which we appropriate the good… and it is as we seize upon such thought with intention, act upon it with purpose, struggle with resolution, against obstacles, that we attain to character and usefulness in the world.
— Charlotte Mason, Ourselves: Self Knowledge, p.164
I often wonder how we can use our “will” as an instrument to purposefully do good works even when struggling with resolution. How do we stay strong and committed admist obstacles? What does it take to attain to character and usefulness in the world? It brings me great joy to see my teen’s will anchored even in times of conflicts and challenges, as well as her determination to get out of her comfort zone, do the hard things, and stretch to extend her limitations. As her guide, philosopher, and friend, I have also learned to be her friendly ally, and to teach her how to live and have an abundant life regardless of what career path she chooses to land on.
SACRED CALLING
Looking back, I realize I did desire to trust God, but sometimes He was very slow. When He was moving at what I thought was a snail’s pace, I unconsciously decided He needed my help… When we take over and try to control what happens, we take our focus off the One who is in control and put our eyes on our circumstances.
— Linda Dillow, Calm My Anxious Heart, p.16
Recently, my Facebook post back in 2010 popped up on my feed. It was a time when my adult life just took flight, with a thriving career, full of possibilities, and endless ambitions. That was also the year I was pregnant with my firstborn — now my first teenager.
But a career-focused life outside of home was not God’s plan for me. Through painful experiences, God called me home to cultivate a life-giving atmosphere and to instill the love of learning in my children’s lives. It has been almost a decade since my decision to homeschool during which I have made myself available to my family. Even now, I am grateful to be present and listen to my teen into the midnight, and to do fun things with her even though I am no longer 100 percent involved in all her new adventures. Looking back, I would not trade our precious, redeemed, and imperfect relationship with anything else the world attempts to offer.
By trusting in God, His perfect timing and sovereignty, these years I have learned to replace my fear and my control with abiding in Him, His Word, and His love, glorifying Him in all things, so that my joy may be full (John 15).
BEAUTY SENSE
Macro photography has a special place in my heart — a source of joy, a place of refuge, and a much needed creative outlet when my homebound life seems monotonous and demanding at times. Stepping into our garden with my long-forgotten camera allows my anxious heart to slow down, to admire God’s creation from a different perspective, and to find beauty in unexpected places:
In infancy we grow an abundant crop of habits, in childhood more. The boys and girls in their teens are busy at it, and after twenty some of the most important habits of life are formed… Each season of life thus becomes an opportunity for some special kind of development.
— Helen Webb, Parent’s Review, “Early Influences,” Volume 40, p.190
Tending my garden and seeing my “babies” take root and thrive also gives me a sense of hope that by the grace of God, my teen will grow an abundant crop of habits which will continue to form at their opportune time. It takes tremendous hard work, for both of us, and I am often tempted to just give up. But just like gardening, our humble obedience and faithful endurance as mothers of teens will bring a beautiful and bountiful harvest at His perfect timing, if we do not abandon our calling too soon.
Love,
Teresa
P.S. After our long school break, it is extremely difficult for me to get back to routines and even have the momentum for the last few weeks of the school year… Instead of letting my stagnant feeling dictate my days, I decide to step onto my walking pad and listen to these life-giving contents: Lent devotional on Dwell App; lessons from Life-Giving Motherhood; and the CMEC’s Finish Strong Challenge. I also savor this fleeting Spring season in Texas and step outside as much as possible, soaking into the warm, gentle sun, breathing in the fresh air, resetting my nervous system, and boosting my mood.
