Perfect Penmanship

Writing doesn’t come easily for my boys.  It is difficult and has often brought tears to the table.  Gradually, with time and a constant push, after hours of tracing and rewriting, they have developed beautiful penmanship.

 

There is one little letter, though, that always seems to revert to its own shape no matter the hours spent trying to correct it.  That little letter is “s”.  It never has that perfect rounded bottom. Rather, it has an awkward flatness to it that I’m not comfortable just leaving well enough alone.  I am constantly pointing it out and trying to change it.

 

Last evening as I read through a beautifully handwritten letter that Keven had penned to his sponsored child in Jamaica, I again noticed this same awkard letter “s” that I’ve tried so hard to amend.

 

Why?  Is perfection that necessary?  Do my boys have to have perfect penmanship in order for me to feel as though I’ve done my job well? 

While reading that heartwarming letter written to a little boy that Keven has never met, I realized how blessed I am by that crooked little “s”.  My sons are growing up to be just like their dad!

 

I’ve too often pushed for perfection.  Fourteen years into this homeschooling journey, I think I’ve finally got it!    It’s not about perfection…it’s about faithfulness and a heart filled with love.

Comments

[Ruth]

This is so beautiful, Donna. I'm so glad I read this today. It gave me chills down my back. Beautiful!!!!!

[Meredith]

Wonderful post, thank you!