I've been taking pictures around town, to be able to show people what it's like to live here.
The thing is, what do you take pictures of? What represents this town?
Is it the picture of mud house crumbling down or the picture of the mansion?
The picture of the sailboat on the ocean, or the picture of the beach littered with trash?
Should I tell you about the 90 degree weather, when the power goes out and trying to do school with no fans as the children are sweltering at their desks? Or should I tell you about being able to watch a troop of monkeys play in our yard everyday?
Because both is true. So, which do you focus on?
Should I tell you about the agreements, pleading my children to do school and trying to get them to focus, or should I tell you about the days when they studying independently, and retain what they read?
Living here has many challenges: the heat, the feeling of oppression, power cuts.
But, there are many blessings: friendships formed, ministry opportunities, and living in a tropical paradise!
There are many reasons for focusing on the negative-- complaining spirit, or negative attitude.
However, I think there can be other reasons.
As homeschool moms we don't want to see "better" than others, or lording it over other people when we are having a good day, or things are working well in school. So, when we speak to other moms we tend to downplay the good and talk about the negative. It can be a way to even out the playing field, so we all feel we are in this together.
I have done it myself many times.
Another reason, is that we can feel that leaving out the challenges and negative aspects can be untruthful. We feel it is only honest to "tell it like it is". To be brutally honest.
A few verses
Galatians 6:4, "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load."
(Don't compare yourself or your homeschool to others, but only do the best you can do for your family.)
Another verse a little later in the chapter-
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
I just like this verse, and think it's very encouraging.
Also, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
That's not to say that we can't be honest about the struggles we are having in homeschool or with our children. It means that we should not focus on them. We can focus on the positives, without thinking we are bragging. (As long as you aren't bragging!) Give all of the glory to God! He's the only reason that our children learn anything, and it is to Him we pray when we need help.
