Advice from our tree

Advice from a Tree
By Ilan Shamir
Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view! 

Years ago I saw a wonderful idea on how to chronicle all of the books my children read throughout the years. . .  a wall of books in essence.  This year we decided upon a reading tree; a tree because of new growth and old, sturdy knowledge.  Each year that a tree grows, it's core trunk remains steadfast, strong and full of life while the outer branches spread far and wide with new growth.  My children are so similiar; each year they retain the knowledge learned from past years, helping them to remain strong while their tender branches are reaching forth to grow and absorb new nutrients in the way of new knowledge.

Each leaf on our tree carefully lists the name of the book read and whichever child's name read the book or had it read to them.  At the end of the year, we make a big deal of taking down the tree, sorting out the leaves and recording all of the books that we've consumed during the year.  Each year I am utterly amazed at the number of books we read and just how many interesting subjects we perused throughout the year.  This is a wonderful confidence booster if the dreaded "Homeschooling Doubt" has settled into your thought pattern.  I love nothing more than  than seeing a very long list of books read over the last year to reassure myself that the girls are learning and glorifying God.

Reading is so important in our children's lives.  If it was not so, we would not have so many great quotes about how reading takes us to places we've never been before, how it opens doors, how we meet and get to know people we have never met before. . . .  .

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

- Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

I've traveled the world twice over,

Met the famous; saints and sinners,

Poets and artists, kings and queens,

Old stars and hopeful beginners,

I've been where no-one's been before,

Learned secrets from writers and cooks

All with one library ticket

To the wonderful world of books.

     Unknown

I suppose I should get back to reading, we are enjoying another Circle C Beginnings series book, Andi's Scary School Days and an amazing classic, Robinson Crusoe.  Have you read with your child today?