Many stay-at-home moms mourn the state of their “brain power.” With wiping noses, changing diapers, and speaking on a 2 year old’s vocabulary level, the tendency can be to forget the power and gift that deep thinking can be.
We remember the brainstorming days when we pondered deep, metaphysical ideas, and now our mathematical excellence ponders how to split the ice cream sandwich perfectly in half, so that there are no arguments over whose section is larger.
Yet, just because we might not sit around solving the worlds’ problems on a daily basis (although it might feel that way in our home), I thought I would share what I am pondering today.
I am at a three day practicum/conference through Classical Conversations ( a home school program in which I am a director) on Expanding my Vision. Right now, as I type, we are digging apart the following quote.

“Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but what we ought.”  Abraham Lincoln

By looking at historical, political, spiritual, and societal implications that this quote has on our lives in view of the present world situation is fascinating. Considering that we must start by defining our terms, and my definition of “freedom” comes from a unwavering world view, it’s eye opening to me that the definition of “freedom” in our society is incredibly controversial. Determining “what it means to be free”,  and the ability to have varied views on life issues is what makes America great.
Some of the questions we have asked after throwing out many definitions on freedom:  Are there “oughts”? Are there unspoken “oughts”? Who determines them?
Freedom is a gift that comes at a cost. Not just a cost to those who have gone before us, but one we need to think deeply about, consider, and act on for the health of our future generations.
So, that is my bit of brain power for the day. Brain fitness is important. I hope you can dust off some of those cob webs with me, because I have too many lurking webs still hiding in the recess of my cerebrum. 😉