Pushing the Reset Button

October 16, 2023

I wept at my desk one evening while doing homework. I did not understand Algebra, no matter how hard I tried. I felt ashamed because I'd never had trouble with my subjects before this year in Junior High, and I prided myself on making good grades.

My father came to my room and asked what was wrong; I explained that I did not "get" Algebra and was going to fail that subject. My father must have known how difficult this situation was for me because he arranged tutoring sessions with a retired math teacher in our neighborhood.

I don't think the tutoring helped me understand Algebra much more, yet through my family's support, I realized that I was loved even if I couldn't live up to my self-image. I was affirmed even in failure and, with that extra bit of energy, I limped my way through the course and did not fail it.

The support and love of my family allowed me to reset my relationship with Algebra the following year. Even though I did not burn the woods up with my grades in Algebra II, I still passed.

Today, I think of all the "Algebras" in my life … those things that are seemingly impossible for me to "get." I could see these failures as flaws to be ashamed of, but instead, I tend to affirm myself, just as my family did for me. Belief in ourselves prevents many failures from sending us into despair.

Inquiry: Is there someone who needs your affirmation of their seeming failure?

Dear God,

I give you thanks for the care my father showed me. His willingness to believe in me made the difference when I couldn't believe in myself. Amen.

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