Education is a Discipline {chewing on a couple of things}

Once in a while, I find myself needing a bit of motivation and inspiration. When I need a bit of encouragement, a good reminder, or just a bit of cheerleading,  I often refer to some of my favorites on my shelf like…

This past week, however, I stumbled on a nice bit of audio, and I was able to multi-task: fold laundry, get dinner ready, and still get a nice dose of encouragement! On the Childlight USA website, I listened to a Charlotte Mason Educational Conference Lecture, “Education is a Discipline” presented by Mary Hubbard. Mrs. Hubbard discussed the formation of habits, had us think of our own areas that we struggle with the most, and reminded us of how habits are “to life what rails are to transport cars”. She goes on to remind us of the Holy Spirit’s role in forming habits, misguided sympathy from mothers, and much, much more.

Although I have read about many times and have tried to put into practice the concepts and truths involved in Education as a Discipline, I always walk away chewing on a couple of things:

1. The Way of the Will is a free e-book from Simply Charlotte Mason. You simply cannot separate the concepts of the will and the formation of habits! It helps us understand our children and ourselves. This little book leaves me not just chewing on a couple of things but also looking in a mirror (and that is always an excellent learning opportunity for me)!2. After listening to the lecture, I was also chewing on the definition the speaker shared from the Noel Webster 1828 Dictionary:

DISCIPLINE, n. [L., to learn.]

1. Education; instruction; cultivation and improvement, comprehending instruction in arts, sciences, correct sentiments, morals and manners, and due subordination to authority.

The word discipline seems to have such a negative connotation these days. Perhaps it has been misused or too often only associated with punishment. When truly it is a healthy, rich thing. Certainly, punishment or chastening are part of discipline, however, it’s essence is in cultivation and admonishment. Even when you look at the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance at the original Hebrew of the word discipline, you will find chastisement, yes, but also instruction, correction, reproof, teaching, and the like. When I chose to think of it that way, it becomes much more a joy rather than a daunting idea.

If looked at properly, I can see discipline as the process through which I cultivate and guide my children in the same way God cultivates and guides me. It certainly involves punishment and reproof, but it is also wrought with moment after moment of instruction and teaching and careful, loving admonishment. What a privilege….really!!!

There are lots more audio options within the

Charlotte Mason Educational Conference Lectures…

in case anyone else was in need of a little

motivation or encouragement in a multi-tasking kind of way!

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