After working various hourly food service jobs in my younger adult years, I realized something important: transitions take time. No matter how palatable, even enjoyable a job might become once I became used to it, the first two weeks on the job were just guaranteed to be intense. It takes time to adjust to new things.
I was reminded of this reality this week when I opened my brand new cast iron waffle maker and put it on the stove for the first time.
Yes, a cast iron waffle maker might be a step into the past instead of a step into the future, depending on your perspective. But I’m my personal quest to make my absolute favorite breakfast food without the toxic chemicals in most conventional nonstick cookware, this was a huge victory.
Unfortunately, the victorious feeling quickly faded. The first setback was that when I followed the instructions on pre-washing the iron, but omitted the “towel dry immediately.” The next morning, I found myself re-seasoning the cast iron instead of making waffles with it.
The second morning, with my freshly oiled and re-seasoned waffle iron, I was ready for success. I made it farther in the process this time, but sadly ended up leaving my stuck and burnt waffle on the iron to painstakingly pick off later. I ate leftovers for breakfast.
The third morning, my motto was firm. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And you know what? I did it. After a little experimentation with how best to oil the iron before pouring in the batter, my family and I were happily munching some of the best waffles we’ve ever tasted. They were delightfully crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. It was a smashing success.
These waffles, as well as my formative experiences in food service, had me thinking about how these principles of patience and perseverance through change apply elsewhere through life, including homeschooling.
Are you considering homeschooling for the first time? Be encouraged! The change might take some getting used to, and a little trial and error. But if you push through, you will likely be very pleased with the results.
Are you already homeschooling, but still facing some kind of transition or adjustment? Our children change as they grow. Their needs, preferences and personal challenges change; as they do, we must adapt with them. Nonetheless, again, with a little perseverance and a dash of creativity, the results can be well worth the effort.
Whatever challenge your facing today, remember: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
