I’m learning that following books, ideas and curriculum are secondary to me following the spirit of Jesus Christ.  I talked with my kids the other day about how we sometimes feel like we can’t do things or that we think things are too hard.

One of the things that was feeling impossible to one of my sons was the ability to get along with a particular brother.  As in any group environment where people interact (which is a good thing) there will be conflict and for us, the conflicts that used to be just in the morning or after public school are now all day, everyday.

Instead of following a normal subject like geography or science, I had my oldest son, Burton, use his engineering skills to make two things: a see-saw and an elevator.

We talked about the tendency to put someone down like on a see-saw in order for us to go up.  Brian Regan chimed in with some great examples in his “me monster” routine.

I had hoped this would be a fun way to talk about this common problem but this certain son didn’t respond as I had expected.  He kept sinking into his arm occasionally popping his head up to place himself on top of the see-saw or to put himself down (not by putting someone else up).

I introduced the elevator where no one has to go down in order for one to go up.  I wasn’t sure how much of this was going anywhere and almost set them free to play at the park when I realized I had left out the most important part.  The capes.

The capes represented our ability to do things we can’t do on our own.  They represented Jesus Christ closely with us to help us.  The only way Han or Luke could get on the elevator was to accept the cape – the need for Jesus Christ.  Once they realized this they could be lifted up and help others be lifted with them.

We ended with the kids ready to play and Sister Burton quoting a quaker proverb, “Thee lift me, and I lift thee and we will ascend together.”  We will ascend together

I’m not sure what clicked and what didn’t – I know they loved being outside and playing the balancing games and playing with Luke and Han Solo, but I hope that they felt loved and I hope that my discouraged son felt empowered.

I found this scripture this morning and it’s what I want to do with this privilege of homeschooling (Yes, I said privilege -not burden.  I have to remind myself of this fairly often).  “This book of the law (or the curriculum and great ideas) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night (think of your kids and of their needs and the spirit), that thou mayest observe to do (It’s me learning to be more Christ-like) according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success Joshua 1:8”

The next verse speaks to what I am learning and what I hope I am passing on to my kids, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – even on an elevator with Luke Skywalker. Joshua 1:9