Magnanimity. Have you ever heard a more powerful word or contemplated a more all-encompassing vision of character? CM herself often held this ideal up as the goal of our efforts "- that stability of mind and magnanimity of character which are the proper outcome and the unfailing test of a liberal education" (A Philosophy of Education Vol 6. p248.) Karen Andreola defines magnanimity as "generosity or nobility of mind or greatness of spirit that comes about through a combination of high thinking and lowly living. A magnanimous person thinks great thoughts but is also generous in overlooking insult or injury" (A Charlotte Mason Companion p277) And the great Noah Webster in his classic 1828 dictionary muses that magnanimity is "greatness of mind; that elevation or dignity of soul, which encounters danger and trouble with tranquility and firmness, which raises the possessor above revenge, and makes him delight in acts of benevolence, which makes him disdain injustice and meanness, and prompts him to sacrifice personal ease, interest and safety for the accomplishment of useful and noble objects." (see http://1828.mshaffer.com/)
At our last WHHE meeting (high school portion) we explored this concept and I must admit sitting together around a warm fire, sharing thoughts about such weighty concepts was inspiring, and gave me the sense that perhaps this was something attainable, certainly a quality worth contemplating and pursuing.
This morning however, as the cold grey light of dawn came seeping into my room, I could feel the protest rising up inside my heart. I live in a real life home, one filled with dirty dishes, unwashed socks and rampant hormones. My children are often irritable, grumpy and resistant to their music practice and math homework. The dog needs walking regularly and my beautiful hardwood floors are getting scratched by her claws. "Magnanimous" is not really an adjective I would apply to the month of January, nor to the wrinkles and gray hairs I continually discover in that smudged looking glass that greets me each morning in the bathroom. It seems the word "magnanimity" is about to fly off the page and lodge somewhere high up out of reach behind the cobweb dangling from the corner of my living room. A deep sigh escapes as I realize the lofty vision of Charlotte Mason is perhaps not something that really matches my day to day reality.
As our family settles down this morning to read together from the books of Ezra and Zechariah a little verse grabs my attention "Who despises the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10 (NIV) Some versions translate it "do not despise the day of small beginnings." But wait? This story is about the building of the second temple in Jerusalem, surely a great, magnanimous project if there ever was one! The mention of small things seems out of place here. Throughout the day this verse keeps whispering to my soul and I must sit down and pay attention. I look again, I strive to hear, I read the words, they are like water pouring on dry ground.
" Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel..."
I contemplate the story... The exiles are returning from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and company have an incredible task ahead of them, the temple is in ruins, the people scattered, difficult and opposing voices surround them on every side. I imagine the incredible amount of organization and communication that must take place for this task to be accomplished. Hundreds of people, countless hours, painstaking detailed work. Talk about an overwhelming task, a never ending to-do list! I look again. The house of the Lord was being built... the Temple, a place where God dwells on earth, the place where God had chosen to meet with His children, to provide for them, the great foreshadowing of what was to come...The story is ripe with symbolism and the presence of Christ is tangible. Christ the foundation, the cornerstone.... I listen...
I am home-maker, a mother, a daughter of the living God.. The daily tasks I am called to complete often seem small, insignificant, ordinary and at times overwhelming...cleaning, baking, organizing, intervening, communicating.....each day requiring so much energy, patience, willingness.... what am I really doing?....Slowly as I let the word of God seep into my soul a familiar story emerges...a light flickers.. I Cor 3:16..."Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and God's spirit lives in you?" I too, like Zerubbabel am called to build, to nurture into life places where God can dwell. Christ the cornerstone, the only foundation... My own heart submitted to Christ and that of each of my children are dwelling places for the Holy Spirit of God, we are little "Temples".... Indeed.
I wonder... perhaps this ancient story is not so ancient, perhaps Zerubbabel might even feel at home with a group of homeschooling moms... could it be so? Do not despise the day of small things..... for they lead to great endings... do not despise the day of small things.... because in God's great story we are all destined for unimaginable glory... though the stones must be first hewn, shaped, and positioned with care. Though the foundation must be true.... The daily small things..... the daily ordinary tasks are leading somewhere. Every cup of water, every bowl of hot oatmeal, each harsh word restrained, each day choosing to persevere in spite of opposition, each day like a stone in the wall... do not despise them... embrace the small things...for in God's Kingdom it is the small things that lead to greatness... it is the humble that will be exalted, and whoever desires to be great among you must become as a little child. Jesus reminds us " He who is least among you all - he is the greatest" Luke 4:46-48
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty." Zechariah 4:6. It is also the word of the Lord to me. Magnanimity and small things. They go hand in hand. I reach for my daughters hand and give her a hug. She looks at me curiously... "Just a small thing" I say and together we smile.
Written by Sandy Moore
Saturday 22 January 2011
Monday 17 January 2011
Mason Method at OCHEC Convention!
I thought I'd just give some news on the upcoming OCHEC Convention (May 6 & 7) that you may be interested in!
Keynote speaker is Andrew Pudewa from the Institute of Excellence in Writing. Malita excitedly shared his work at a resent WHHE meeting. Much of his philosophy is CM friendly! http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/
Also Cori Dean's talk on Charlotte Mason 101 on Saturday.
More info will becoming available shortly on the web:
http://www.ochec.org/Conv2011.php
Tuesday 11 January 2011
Jan. 18 Meeting
Greetings All!
Next Tuesday, January 18th is our next Whole Hearted Home Educators discussion group meeting!
Philosophical: Ch.3: Authority and Freedom (Michelle B.)
Practical: Knowledge of Man (Composition, Languages) – p.120-126 (Rachel M.)
High School Portion (Sandy M.)
Knowledge of Man (Morals and Citizenship; Composition and Foreign Languages)
Morals and Citizenship (As we did not have time to address this at our last meeting, I am including it here)
Charlotte Mason used Plutarch to draw the child into the life of those working and living in the ancient world. As in any such history of human endeavour, there were failures, sins and weaknesses displayed as well as responsible, good and heroic action. But the text made no comment about which was right or wrong.... She found the children began to show a sympathetic understanding of the problems of statesmanship....later on he will then see the need of organized government and will be ready to be taught about the administrative structure of his own country and international relationships..... Intertwined with citizenship is morals. After all that is why a state must have laws. The Supreme Court is important, but in a sense the individual's ideas about law are a more powerful influence in society. p116 - 117 For the Children's Sake
Have you addressed this subject in your lessons?
How have you "taught" or approached citizenship? Government? Civics?
What do you think the relationship between morals and citizenship is?
Do your teens feel a sense of helplessness or empowerment with respect to government and citizenship?
What about your family? Any success stories? Opportunities? Resources to share?
How powerful is the media on your children in influencing their view of morals and citizenship? (p 119)
COMPOSITION
Literary expression is a basic product of education as well as being the means provided by God for creative communication , appreciation and reaction and a mark of our individuality. It must be encouraged, allowed and practiced. (p122 For the Children's Sake)
How do you encourage, allow and practice literary expression in your teen's education and schedule?
How have you made the transition from Oral narration to Written narration?
Do you have any particular success stories you can share? Resources?
Have you experienced a child who is reluctant or weak in this area?
How have you addressed or approached this challenge?
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
To be introduced to another language is to have an insular barrier removed. Different expression and ideas in words challenge the inward-looking tendency. It is part of a liberal education. But Charlotte Mason would have us really teach the language so that it can be spoken, enjoyed, be a part of life. This is a challenge indeed! (p125 FCS)
Knowing at least one second language is not as necessary as being liberally educated in one's own language. But it is a door that should be opened, if possible. It is not really a luxury; it is part of our human growth. (p 126 FCS)
What is your approach to foreign language study in your homeschooling journey?
How important do you think FL study is? How much of a priority do you think it should be made?
Do you have any creative resources, or approaches that have been particularly helpful in this area?
Thank you to each one of you for your commitments, participation and convictions!
Next Tuesday, January 18th is our next Whole Hearted Home Educators discussion group meeting!
Philosophical: Ch.3: Authority and Freedom (Michelle B.)
Practical: Knowledge of Man (Composition, Languages) – p.120-126 (Rachel M.)
High School Portion (Sandy M.)
Knowledge of Man (Morals and Citizenship; Composition and Foreign Languages)
Morals and Citizenship (As we did not have time to address this at our last meeting, I am including it here)
Charlotte Mason used Plutarch to draw the child into the life of those working and living in the ancient world. As in any such history of human endeavour, there were failures, sins and weaknesses displayed as well as responsible, good and heroic action. But the text made no comment about which was right or wrong.... She found the children began to show a sympathetic understanding of the problems of statesmanship....later on he will then see the need of organized government and will be ready to be taught about the administrative structure of his own country and international relationships..... Intertwined with citizenship is morals. After all that is why a state must have laws. The Supreme Court is important, but in a sense the individual's ideas about law are a more powerful influence in society. p116 - 117 For the Children's Sake
Have you addressed this subject in your lessons?
How have you "taught" or approached citizenship? Government? Civics?
What do you think the relationship between morals and citizenship is?
Do your teens feel a sense of helplessness or empowerment with respect to government and citizenship?
What about your family? Any success stories? Opportunities? Resources to share?
How powerful is the media on your children in influencing their view of morals and citizenship? (p 119)
COMPOSITION
Literary expression is a basic product of education as well as being the means provided by God for creative communication , appreciation and reaction and a mark of our individuality. It must be encouraged, allowed and practiced. (p122 For the Children's Sake)
How do you encourage, allow and practice literary expression in your teen's education and schedule?
How have you made the transition from Oral narration to Written narration?
Do you have any particular success stories you can share? Resources?
Have you experienced a child who is reluctant or weak in this area?
How have you addressed or approached this challenge?
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
To be introduced to another language is to have an insular barrier removed. Different expression and ideas in words challenge the inward-looking tendency. It is part of a liberal education. But Charlotte Mason would have us really teach the language so that it can be spoken, enjoyed, be a part of life. This is a challenge indeed! (p125 FCS)
Knowing at least one second language is not as necessary as being liberally educated in one's own language. But it is a door that should be opened, if possible. It is not really a luxury; it is part of our human growth. (p 126 FCS)
What is your approach to foreign language study in your homeschooling journey?
How important do you think FL study is? How much of a priority do you think it should be made?
Do you have any creative resources, or approaches that have been particularly helpful in this area?
Thank you to each one of you for your commitments, participation and convictions!
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