September 28, 2021 – Thursday
We have officially been in the Midwest for all the seasons. This is our second autumn here, and it is proving to be my favorite season. That is a familiar comfort – as autumn always has been my favorite. My son said it best when he commented on how cozy it is this time of year. He was absorbing the comfort found in the warm glow of the pumpkin lantern and candles as we snuggled to watch Andy Griffith on the couch the other night.
Our first year here we embraced the solitude of COVID and waited on joining any groups or activities. We thrive off of a slower pace and home time. For everything there is a season (Ecc 3:1). I feel our season at home coming to an end as we accept the Lords invitation to step out into fellowship and community. I have slowly been adding in activities. First gymnastics and then horse lessons. I am not used to having so many opportunities at my fingertips. However, neither of our current choices cultivate community, which is something I am searching for. I will need to be cautious in guarding our schedule and not overcommitting.
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— (Ecc 3:1, AMP)
Initially I was excited to find a Classical Conversations group in our area. The more I pondered this idea, the more I realized maybe it wasn’t what I was looking for. It is something I would have embraced when I was new to the world of home education. But, over the years the Lord has taught me so much, and I have become dependent on Him as our Headmaster. I treasure the freedom I find to follow the Spirit. At this time, I will hold off on a curriculum based community and focus simply on community. Over the past year, I have found myself consistently being drawn to Wild and Free and decided to pursue that option.
Today was our first “hike”. I do use the term hike loosely. But I was out in nature with like-minded Mama’s – and that felt good. My daughter immediately gravitated to the girls her age. Her confidence and independence are opening like a spring flower. My son preferred to say near my side. He requires consistency and familiarity to feel comfortable venturing off. I am thankful that I know that about him and can give him the time and space he needs to go at his own pace. The children climbed trees, caught bugs and frogs, and explored. Indiangrass, Goldenrod, praying mantis and grasshoppers were artistically captured in the pages of the nature journals. This is what we do. We always have. We are now just doing it somewhere new.
We have been a part of Wild and Free for many years. It feels like a good fit for us in this particular season of life. I long to have my children out in nature with a focus on nature journals. This group is in line with my overall vision, while also providing the community and fellowship we need.
We are suddenly out and about a lot. That is a shift for us. I am trusting the Lord with my time.