A New Beginning

After a summer of relative quiet and solitude, most unusual for our otherwise sociable family, the children were only too happy to resume our Autumn routine--short morning lessons, afternoons outdoors, and evenings reserved for reading and play. They were thrilled with the back-to-school bags I packed for them, small embroidered pockets filled with little treats appreciated by all. I managed to find gorgeous little drawstring bags adorned with bouillon roses and lazy daisies at a local farm store. Not only were they pleasing to the eye, but also roomy enough to hide the array of sweets and treats I'd been saving for the first day.

It is late, and my blogging is decidedly rusty after a summer of cuddling our newest treasure. Still, at the outset of this new school year, I thought you might not mind me sharing a few thoughts I had on ways to brighten and bless our children's lives:

1. Begin each day with a private petition to Our Lady.

"Dear Blessed Mother, please help me to make my home like the one in Nazareth. Give me a gentle spirit, a cheerful heart, and constant patience for these little ones entrusted to my care, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

2. Turn off the television.

Every moment spent in front of the television is time lost forever, time better spent playing or reading or chatting with you in the kitchen. Now, don't get me wrong, we'll still be watching our "Signing Time" DVDs and "Truth in the Heart" on EWTN, but even this will be done in moderation.

3. Keep the time with prayer.

Sing the Salve Regina in the morning, and pray the Angelus at noon. Chant a Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 o'clock, and recite the Rosary after dinner. Now is the time, while these domestic churches of ours are still full, to sanctify the very rhythm of our lives and grace our children with happy, holy memories.

4. Remember your dreams.

Every mother begins the adventure of home education with a beautiful dream of what her children's lives and learning will be like. Then the details get in the way. Why is it that we always find time for long division, but put picture study or poetry on the back burner? Make this the year for watercolors and wilderness walks, sewing circles and Shakespeare.

5. Get outdoors.

And I do not just mean for nature walks. Annie Sullivan believed that Helen Keller deserved to take her daily lessons under a tree where she could catch a pleasant breeze and breathe in the beauty of the world so often lost to her. Taking the books in the backyard during these last few weeks of glorious weather is heartening for all and a perfect way to keep the toddlers in the family happy.

6. Double your child's age.

It may sound silly, but imagine your child, preferably your oldest, at twice the age he or she is now. (In the twelve short years we have had Agnes, she will be twenty four years old, the same age I was when my husband and I became engaged.) Time is passing away at breakneck speed, and these are the only days we will ever have with these children. Let's not waste a single one!

Comments

[Elizabeth Foss]

I am so, so happy to have you back! You are a constant source of inspiration to me. Many, many blessings on your new beginning!

[kristina]

Dear Alice, Thank you for this post. I am printing these beautiful thoughts of encouragement for my journal. God Bless your school year!
ps - what terrific back to school bags!

[Karen E.]

Beautiful reminders all, Alice. It's great to see you "back." :-) Thanks.

[Jennie C]

Thank you. Time does go quickly, and it's too precious to waste. I'm glad you're back.

[Cay in La.]

Ah, my prayers have been answered. ;)
So happy you're back. You so brighten my day. :)

[Matthias]

You have been so missed!! Bless you for brightening MY day with this glorious and awaited post!! What a wonderful first day you all had, thanks for sharing!! Kiss those sweet little ones! Hugs.

[Jenn Miller]

What a beautiful touch with the embroidered bags! I love your list, and I'm so happy to have you return. You're a constant inspiration!

[Janette]

Oh, Alice! You brought tears to my eyes with that last point. (My oldest is 12 too.) Thank you for your beautiful and all too true reminders. I am thrilled to have you back! May God bless your school year.

[Rebecca]

What a beautiful post, Alice. You always inspired me to be a better mother, wife and woman. God Bless you, your family and the upcoming schoolyear.

[Account Deleted]

A beautiful post, indeed. You are a constant inspiration.

[K]

Alice,
If you only knew how very badly I needed to hear every single word of this post...
Thank you!

[Mary Ann]

Alice, beautiful post! How wonderful that you are back sharing your thoughts. Your comment about 12x2 really hit home. My 24 year old dd just got engaged! I must remember in all the bustle to savor the time with my still little ones!

[KC]

Welcome back!! I sure missed you. Thank you for a wonderful reminder to stop and basically smell the roses. You are always such an inspiration.

[Cheryl]

Wonderful post Alice. I'm going to print it out also, and look at it often.

[Genevieve]

Thank you putting things in perspective. Truly inspirational. Many blessings on your new beginnings!

[Donna Marie]

Oh Alice! Once again your words touch my heart in just the right way. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts. I too have 12x2 right now...actually it is 12x2 twice! Those moments will surely be bittersweet for me as my twins are my best friends! My resolution today is to imitate the Blessed Mother in all I possibly can...this is so very challenging when we are starting up a new school year...can you think of a better birthday gift than that?! Bless you for the inspiration...I missed you!!

[Mary Beth P]

Thank you for the inspiration! I'm one week into homeschooling and let myself begin to get frustrated. THANKYOU for the reminder of the fact that precious time spent with our children is the paramount reason for homeschooling!

[Dawn]

Dear Alice,

You can't know how much joy and inspiration you bring to so many! Thank you for this beautiful post!

Blessings to you and your family as you begin your new Autumn plans!

[Alice]

Beautiful friends, I am overjoyed by your comments and thrilled to see you still remember this blog after my long absence! Thank you!

[sherry]

Welcome back!

This was a great post and I read every word with gratitude in my heart!

Sherry

[Ruth]

Alice, this is such a beautiful post. I am printing it out right now and putting it in my kitchen. You have really inspired me once again. Thank you. God bless you.

[Carole]

Thanks Alice for such a wonderful post. I am also adding it to my collection of inspirations!