Being Present

     The hardest months to homeschool are January and May.  January, because the sun isn't shining and I want to stay in bed all day; and May, because the sun is shining and I want to play all day.  This week has been all about getting back into the swing of things after our holiday break.  It's been relatively smooth, but I just haven't been in the mood.  I find myself being distracted by other things that need to be done.  Bills, appointments, housework.  But mostly, I just want to go back to my warm, cozy bed. 
     It's helpful for me to take the job of homeschooling as that: a job.  If I was working for someone else, I would have to put those personal agendas aside, and just do my job.  When I am able to be 100% present for Zack, I enjoy the school day so much more.  Sitting beside him, working the math problems with him, learning Earth science with him, and listening to his writing, a certain peace comes over me.  Sometimes I think, "My gosh, how can I do this for 3 and 1/2 more years?  I'll never make it!"  But then, I rethink it, and say, "Wow, only 3 and 1/2 more years!"  This time is so special right now.  We won't always be here at the kitchen table, me with my tea and him with his juice, opening the textbooks to see what we will learn today.  In just 3 and 1/2 years, this particular schooling will be behind us.  It will be a memory that I will probably think, "My how fast it went!"  Or, "Oh how I wish it was like that again!"  On Monday, I vow to be in that place of complete presence again, not only for my son, but for me as well.  Because it is in that state of being present that I am at my best and the best of Zack is revealed.