One of those ugly little truths that homeschoolers seldom share with their public schooling counterparts is that homeschooling isn’t always fun and it doesn’t always seem terribly rewarding. Yes, indeed, it is often hard work and the children sometimes complain. The teachers and students alike are every bit as human and fallible as their counterparts, and good habits and stubbornness sometimes do more to keep a family-based school moving forward toward its goals than any particular enjoyment of the lessons being learned. In other words, homeschooling mirrors real life. While it is rewarding, it is also hard work and requires a high level of commitment and perseverance.

The truth is that we here in the Nest have been sort of sleepwalking through our homeschooling days for much of the past couple of months. We have been in the midst of a hard season in our lives and school, but seem to be finally reawakening to the fun and the joy that had been missing of late. It is not an instant process this reawakening, but it is, at least, quite a pleasant change. After a dreary season of blandness and sameness, it is wonderful to finally reawaken to the sunshine and fun.

Would you like to know what we are doing differently to bring back that sense of fun? Very little. We have been relying on our daily habits and stubborn adherence to and belief in the importance of our tasks to carry us through one of our drearier seasons. I hope that Charlotte Mason would be proud of us! Just like with the rest of life, a quick sprint might be fun, but it is a slow and steady perseverance (Eek! There’s that word AGAIN!) that wins the race. May we continue to hold fast and press on to our mark.