A few weeks ago I developed a stye in my eye. It began with a little bruised feeling on the corner of my eye. Nothing visible, just a tiny bit of irritation. A few days later I noticed a little red spot in that area that within just a couple more days had grown so large that my entire eye was swollen shut. Oh, it was painful! The constant pressure and throbbing was more than I seemed able to handle. I.was.miserable. Finally--after over two weeks--it began to shrink and subside. I cannot tell you how happy I am that my vision has returned to normal and that big bad stye is gone.
I recently was experiencing a different 'stye' of sorts. I am calling it my Homeschool Stye. Like the other one, it began with little irritated feelings. Annoyance that I never have time to clean my house like I want or exercise as much as I would like to, or even just have some 'alone' time. After a few days this 'stye' began to grow as I fostered bitterness and frustration and feelings of inadequacy and before I knew it I had nearly lost my vision--the reason I began teaching my children at home in the first place. I was miserable and felt completely incapacitated. A few days ago I realized that something was terribly wrong. As I talked out my symptoms with Jimmy I began to realize where this stye was coming from. I lost track of my goals. I was trying to re-create 'school' at home instead of following the guidance of the Spirit that had directed me to begin this journey in the first place. So today I resolved to get back on track and I am happier than I can describe that my vision is finally back and better than ever.
The girls do copywork as part of our learning experience and the copywork assignment for the day is a quote that I needed to hear:
Joseph B. Wirthlin:
I have known many great men and women. Although they have different
backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, they all have this in common: they
work diligently and persistently towards achieving their goals. It's easy to
get distracted and lose focus on the things that are most important in life.
I've tried to remember the lessons I learned from Coach Oswald and
prioritize values that are important to me so that I can keep my eye focused
on things that really matter.
I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need
to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble, and
righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your
heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving
them.
I have known many great men and women. Although they have different
backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, they all have this in common: they
work diligently and persistently towards achieving their goals. It's easy to
get distracted and lose focus on the things that are most important in life.
I've tried to remember the lessons I learned from Coach Oswald and
prioritize values that are important to me so that I can keep my eye focused
on things that really matter.
I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need
to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble, and
righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your
heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving
them.
