Small Steps

Be faithful where you are right now.

Just start where you can.

Take the first step.

Whether it is

• cleaning the house,
• learning a new skill,
• re-organizing a room,
• developing a good habit,
• starting a routine,
• clearing a garden bed,
• or beginning a new school phase …

just start

and take small steps.

In this way we have established a wonderful, rich homeschool education.

Last year we introduced new subjects.

I gently included Hymn Study in our Bible Study time.  We implemented the SCM Scripture Memory System.  We made a commitment to get outside at least once a week for Nature Study.

And I added Shakespeare.

Small Steps.

This year my 12-year-old started her junior-high curriculum.  It involves much more independent reading.  Her course is more political, more mature.  She needs to stretch her mind and her heart.  She has been afraid to start.

Fear has a way of crushing all joy and liberty.

Grace makes a way for growth.

I encourage her to take small steps.

We  start together.

Keep lessons short.

And trust the Lord that within a few weeks we will have found our way and even have mastered new areas.

I can approach some specific house cleaning in the same way.

While I wait for the kettle to boil I can …

• clean a shelf
• re-arrange the Tupperware and plastics cupboard,
• wipe down a fridge shelf
• re-organize a utensil drawer
• clean inside the microwave …

With 15 minutes each day I can tackle a large task and break it down by working in small stages; each time sort/ clean/ rearrange/ give away.  I recently went through my wardrobe ~

• 1st day – check through all the shoes,
• 2nd day – go through just the undies and PJ’s
• 3rd day – work through knitted garments
• 4th day – sort through all skirts and dresses
• 5th day – pack scarves
• etc …

Just this weekend we tackled my 9-year-old’s stuff. 

It was a mountain! 

We were both discouraged to start, but we took small steps.

I placed 3 boxes in a row – Keep, Give Away, Throw Away

Quick as a flash we went through each shelf.

In just 20 minutes we had done all her clothes.

After a short break, we tackled her dressing table, then her toys.

I packaged the stuff for charity and for storage.

Phew!

Much relief for all!

We find that this works when we try train our children in new chores.

• Show them clearly how to do a task in a simple way.
• Spend a few minutes every time to focus and establish the skills.
• Finally, set them to do it without our help or reminders.

Small deposits … great dividends.

How do you tackle big issues?

What tactics do you find works?  Share with us in your comments.

Blessings,