Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15:29-32
I’ve been falling asleep every time a sit down the past few days. The list in my brain of things I want to do isn’t getting any shorter when nothing gets deleted and more gets added. Here’s the thing, doesn’t seem to be bothering me too much right now. Why? I’m more concerned about my lack of ability to stay awake. After putting my detective skills to work, I’ve come to a conclusion. If I take medicine, I’ll have some sort of side effects.
Do you see the commercials on the television for prescriptions? Scary stuff! I think I might stick with the original problem if given the choice over their dire consequences and other alternatives. I really do understand that medicine is given if the problem needing dealt with outweighs the concerns for the possible side effects. I’m incredibly thankful for doctors and medicine!
Getting back to my problem. Lately, if I’m not moving, I’m resting my eyes. That was my grandpap’s way of not admitting to dozing off even if he was catching flies while sitting in his chair. You’d think I’d know by now that when something like this coincides with starting to take some sort of medicine, I probably have my answer. Allergy medicine was kicking my butt.
After thinking it over, were my symptoms worse than sleeping my life away? I figure that’s a negative. I even tried cutting it in half. That allowed me to sit here and type, even if the battle is real right now. I’m so sensitive to medicine that even a multi-vitamin needs cut in half. I think I’ll go with some eye drops instead of my hubby turning to stare dreamily into my eyes only to see my eyelids. Hey, it could be happening! I have no proof it isn’t when I’m snoozing away.
What about you? Have you ever tried to fix a problem, but the solution you came up with seemed to be worse than what you originally started with? I’ve often wondered what to do in those situations. I think my youngest son helped me find the answer, and it all had to do with Algebra. Math was never really a problem until this year. He’s quite good at it actually; however, his confidence took a bit of a beating and frustration was at an all-time high.
This year, I’ve seen him conquer his writing phobia brilliantly, completely own science, keep up quite well with his older brother in civics, and I am trying to keep up with him in Bible studies. When he did reach a difficulty in one of his subjects, he took on the challenge and powered through. We were just struggling with Algebra. He was getting more and more confused. We’ve used the same curriculum since starting to homeschooling back when he was in first grade, but not every year is like the others.
I felt like we were coming to a crossroads, and a decision was needed. Were we going to power through because he was passing, or did we need to take a couple steps back in order to move forward? If we stuck with it and just got through this year, would the solution be better than the original problem?
To his disappointment, my conclusion was no. This wasn’t the way to end his school year in math. After some research and advice, I was changing his curriculum. In my opinion, it was more important to have a solid foundation than move on to the next math where he’d probably feel even more lost.
The unpopular decision was made to go back a couple steps even though we were so far into the school year. The new curriculum was ordered. This time, instead of jumping into Algebra, we were going to work through pre-Algebra. I’d be there with him every step of the way…lucky him. What came easily to him, we’d go through quicker. Every problem didn’t need to be completed just to have busy work. We would be working for knowledge and foundation. Quizzes and tests would still being taken so that I knew for sure he understood the problems and recognized that he isn’t bad at math.
We’re going to have this finished by the time school starts up again. He’s determined to have it done a lot sooner. That’s some good motivation! He knows it isn’t about rushing, it’s about growing. We’ll tackle Algebra with a new curriculum next year, and I know that he’ll do fantastic!
I believe that there are different ways to work out problems. It isn’t the same for everyone. For us, the side-effects of plowing through without full understanding were worse than taking a couple steps back. I think this shows character on his part. After getting over the initial disappointment, he’s embracing this. That character will get him far in life. He won’t just get through, he’ll excel! He never quit; he just took a new route.
Do you ever feel like you’ve run into a problem and what you’re trying for isn’t really happening? Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in confusion as to what your prescription might be? I would ask you to think back to when it was clear.
Our tomato and zucchini plants we started were doing amazing, and then…not so much. When were they thriving? Was it when they were in the warmer part of the house? Was it when they got a bit more water? We needed to go back to that point before things turned. It’s better to go back those couple steps than lose those plants out of stubbornness.
I challenge you to remember failure isn’t going back a couple steps, it’s quitting the game. Ever play the game Sorry? The boys always wanted to get their piece out of the starting point, then choose a backwards four. Even though they were having to take a couple steps back, they had a stronger chance of getting to home without several starts and stops along the way. Also, the likelihood of winning the game got higher.
Don’t be caught sleeping and just barely getting by. If you’re going to sleep, do it on purpose! If you’re going to excel, do it with purpose. If you’re going to grow, figure out the right temperature and amount of water needed.
Don’t be afraid to take those couple steps back. Remember to evaluate the side-effects of your prescription. There usually is more than one option.
Viewing things with human eyes, didn’t Jesus seem to take a couple steps back when he came to us as a baby, was tested and tried, and submitted to pain and ridicule? As I think on those things this Holy Week, I’m unbelievably grateful He did. What might seem like going backwards right now, might lead to the biggest fulfillment you could imagine.
Great blog! What an inspiration. Thank you for your wisdom and insight!
We were waiting for the next blog! We read this as a family and we appreciate you taking the time to give hope to all of us! Thank you so much!
I kept checking the site and the newest blog popped up. I was not disappointed! Thank you so much for writing a story that we all can relate too…and I can’t stay awake right now because of my allergy medicine! Keep them coming.
Wonderful! What a great description of your son overcoming and prospering! You are an inspiration to anyone who is thinking of homeschooling their children. You truly care and go above and beyond and your boys are lucky to have you doing this for them. Thank you for a great blog and a great inspiration!
Can’t read this without smiling. A total inspiration and a story that is to be shared with the world. Thank you for writing something that is wholesome and good for the soul.
Great! I love each and every one of these blogs. I am so excited to read each one. Please keep writing more and more! When we are stuck indoors, you give us hope and something to enjoy to read that is new and relevant.
This was a good one. Your boys are lucky to have you as a homeschool teacher! Please keep this blog going and write often, I check it daily now!
Totally inspiring. Relatable to everything, from being tired (binging tv) to struggles and overcoming them. This is a blog that everyone should read.
Kellygirlthinks, thank you! I’ve been stuck in the house and this is something that helps keep the sanity. Write more, it is something we are reading as a family. We love how you put bible verses in and how this relates to daily life!
Each time I read a story that includes how you are homeschooling, I wish that I had been homeschooled. Your boys are getting a class A education! When my kids are old enough, I am homeschooling them! Thanks for the inspiration!
Great blog. We have been looking forward to the next installment and was not disappointed. We’re ready for the next installment!
I just found this blog! It is awesome! I am passing it on to as many people as I can. It is truly inspiring and something fun to read. You are a great writer
You are an inspiration to homeschool parents everywhere! You are someone we lookup to in our homeschool group. I had to write this comment because you are a great teacher. You have a confidence with your teaching that shows. Thank you for showing people hope.
Great blog that needs shared. This shows there is hope and greatness does come out of struggles. Your outlook is something that is to be admired.
Surely you are a professional author or story teller! These stories of inspiration and conquering challenges are amazing and so great! Please write more or let me know any books you may have written!
How do you write such inspiring tales? Allergy medicine gets to me so much too. The pollen is getting bad in Georgia….but soon enough, it’ll be gone! Thanks for writing about homeschooling and how challenges turn into opportunities!