Educate Me Please

I returned to college in my late forties to earn a bachelor’s degree and a public school teaching certification. 

Of all the required courses, I was most challenged with math. Often, while attempting to  read, understand and work my way through equations in a math class, I’d later dissolve into a puddle of tears. Concepts such as; algorithm, array, bar graphs, PEMDAS, polynomial equations, and coefficients were far beyond my comprehension. The principles of math seemed nebulous, ethereal and far beyond my realm of intellect. How would I ever understand the un-understandable? How would I ever pass the necessary math classes? Then, I hired a tutor.

Nan was an acquaintance, and I admired her. She was a whiz when it came to math. Working through a math equation for her was as easy and simple as it was for me to mix and bake a batch of cookies. 

When I asked if she would tutor me, she agreed. 

It became part of my routine to meet with her on a weekly basis. I’d sit beside her, every Monday afternoon for an hour, at her kitchen table. In the comfort of her warm and cozy home, she’d explain the reasoning behind the math equations that I needed to set up and solve. 

Nan was gentle and soft spoken. She never reprimanded me for my ignorance and she was not arrogant or boastful about her innate knowledge of math. She was personable and knew how inept I felt. She had a knack of making me feel at ease in her presence. 

Under her individualized instruction, my knowledge, understanding and confidence with math expanded. Because of her faithful guidance, I passed all the required math classes and became a competent math teacher in my classroom. 

Our Personal Tutor

As a believer and follower of God, I have a personal tutor by the name of, Holy Spirit. Unlike Nan, I do not have to ask the Holy Spirit to tutor me, nor do I have to write a weekly check to pay for the Spirit’s service. But like Nan, the Holy Spirit personalizes our spiritual instruction. 

At the moment I said, “Okay God, I’m willing to follow Your way for living,” the Holy Spirit became my close companion. Did I have to ask for the Spirit’s companionship? No. It happened automatically. 

But, after saying yes to God, there was evidence of a change in my life. I had this sudden and surprisingly insatiable appetite to get to know God. The best way I knew how to do that was to read the Bible.

I’d never owned or read the Bible before, but after purchasing a translation in plain and simple English, I began reading it and I was surprised how the words resonated with my inward self. The more I read, the more I wanted to know and understand God’s way for me to live.

Unlike the math courses I needed to complete with a passing grade, there are no spiritual exams for me to complete. But I have made notable spiritual progress in my life; I trust more and worry less. 

Like Nan, my math tutor, the Holy Spirit does not reprimand me for my ignorance. Instead, the Spirit encourages me. As I read and believe the various verses that speak about peace, that peace settles within me. 

Why Bother

Why bother with a tutor? Knowing the Holy Spirit as my tutor, my mind is enlightened. My confidence grows and I trust in God’s guidance, training and instruction more and more.