m o t t o

As we begin our son's homeschool education, we are guided by Charlotte Mason's principles and philosophies. We begin by choosing to implement her school motto into our daily lives.

"...'I am'––we have the power of knowing ourselves. 'I ought'––we have within us a moral judge, to whom we feel ourselves subject, and who points out and requires of us our duty. 'I can'––we are conscious of power to do that which we perceive we ought to do. 'I will'––we determine to exercise that power with a volition which is in itself a step in the execution of that which we will. Here is a beautiful and perfect chain... " -Charlotte Mason

"Before we consider how to train, we must know how the will operates–how it manages the ordering of all that is done and thought in the kingdom of Mansoul. There are those, no doubt, who have not even arrived at wishing, but most of us desire to do well; what we want to know is, how to make ourselves do what we desire. And here is the line which divides the effective from the non-effective people, the great from the small, the good from the well-intentioned and respectable; it is in proportion as a man has self-controlling, self-compelling power that he is able to do, even of his own pleasure; that he can depend upon himself, and be sure of his own action." -Charlotte Mason

Four simple principles penetrate deep within. Heart heavy. Contemplative. Mind wanders. How am I to teach this school motto, which to me is more of a life declaration, if I am not living this myself? Do I truly pause and reflect upon who I AM? What my motives are? Why and how I am reacting to any given situation? Do I listen when that soft, small voice tells me I OUGHT? Or, do I justify? Do I engage in that which I CAN? Or, do I tell myself I can't? Do I simply make my mind up to do what I WILL? Or, do my ingrained habits frustrate the will?

It was just this morning, I found myself completely overtaken with wrath. Each harsh word, every wrong action, aware of my faults. And yet, my will was wrong. It was not my will to change my behavior immediately. It was my will to engage in my sin and let it take over, affecting my entire family. It was just last night, I found myself give in to gluttony. Shortly after enjoying our home cooked dinner, I was at the drive-thru ordering a snack for my husband. I had chosen to refrain from this indulgence, and then quickly found myself ordering a chocolate shake! Sure it was delicious. And enjoyable, at the time. But now I look back in frustration. Why do I do what I don't want to do? The power of the will. We are going to battle, my will and I. And I am thankful for forgiveness.

And so, we go forth. Beginning with this school motto. This life declaration. Thankful for grace. We shall bind these words to our hearts; refining our spirits, establishing our foundation. Waging a war within. With gratitude, holding that perseverance produces character. Understanding that this homeschooling journey is not limited to our son's education, but that of our entire family. Praise indeed.