Philippians 4:8

The house is quiet now. My husband is sleeping. The fan blows cool air. Storms have passed for now. Everything is quiet... except my mind and my heart.

I began my quiet evening by browsing on Ann Voskamp's website, A Holy Experience. Her words stir me. Her word are unique and always reach parts of me that have been tamped down from day to day life.I started reading one of her blogs about teaching children to be grateful. At dinner, her kids write down things they are thankful for on sticky notes. She posts them on the window in their house and they stay up as a reminder of God's goodness. She went on to discuss that being grateful is more important than math and history. This is what she quoted....

"Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education?"

As a teacher, I would have to agree with Mrs. Voskamp.