Boxes
We deal with lots of boxes at Notgrass History. Boxes of books come in from the printer; boxes of books go out to homeschooling families.
Actually I grew up with lots of boxes, too. Daddy worked at his daddy’s (my Daddy Leland’s) grocery store. Boxes of cans of Green Giant green beans, Chef Boyardee® pizza mixes, Duncan Hines® cake mixes, and lots and lots of other groceries came in from Malone and Hyde grocery distributors on Thursday afternoons. Then, after Daddy got many of them emptied and on the grocery shelves, I sometimes got the thrill of climbing in the front seat beside him in Daddy Leland’s pickup truck to take the empty ones to the town dump.
Pardon my digression to memory lane with Daddy . . . Let’s get back to boxes.
Boxes are wonderful inventions. At Notgrass History we get a catalog with boxes of many, many sizes. We order them, too, and we order different sizes of boxes from the post office. Boxes work really well for our curriculum and for crackers and for orders from Amazon and such.
I hope you find some uses for boxes in your homeschool. They are great for making dioramas and for building walls and towers. Appliance boxes make good playhouses and puppet stages, too.
But, there is one place that I have no use whatsoever for boxes. I don’t like to see children put into boxes — ever. Each one is too unique for that! To rear a child to be the person God created him to be, parents need to think way outside the box!
It is important to help each child know deeply and be able to say with confidence:
I will give thanks to You,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14
That is true no matter whose “box” he or she doesn’t fit inside.
Well said, dear friend!!
Thanks for this reminder. I have to remember to not only place my children in a box, but to also not place myself in one. 🙂
While I wholeheartedly agree (and am so inspired by your daily devotions), sometimes a diagnosis is helpful. Many feel that a diagnosis puts one in a box. For my daughter and I, our recent discovery that she was ADHD, was a relief. She isn’t like all kids with it, but knowing about it and about helpful modifications has been a life saver. Her brain just processes differently, but she is still super brilliant! Now I can help her with my new tools! Her dramatic birth could have resulted in death or a much more profound disorder. We are incredibly thankful for the gift of Carlie! As of late we are also thankful for a glimpse into this new box that’s entered our world. It doesn’t define her, but makes her feel understood and me feel hopeful. We know that she can do all things through Christ who gives her strength! And oddly enough, some strength came from knowing and accepting this foreign box! Bless you as you continue to shine your light into all of us mommies 🙂
I agree with you so much, Keli. I, too, think it is helpful to get a diagnosis and I appreciate these thoughts so much. This is insightful. I didn’t think of that kind of box! What I really meant is that I don’t like to see children forced to learn a certain way or to live in other people’s expectations! But, naming particular challenges is very helpful. I’m so glad you have been able to name Carlie’s and I’m so thankful with you for the gift of Carlie.
I’m glad to be understood! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
So true Mrs.Notgrass! When friends discuss their child’s struggles in the public school setting, my heart breaks at times. Their child could shine in a homeschool setting, but instead he/she is wilting, deflating and lacking hope for their learning and intelligence.
Lately God has been prompting me to just pray about it and not fret. You know, 2 of those friends are now seriously considering homeschooling! ! Oh if I would just pray more and worry less! ! Lol! Blessings:)