Years ago, after Superman was diagnosed with celiac disease but his health was not improving, I did something different for Lent. I committed to waking up at 4:30 every morning to pray for my sick husband’s health.
I recently went back and read through those prayers. They were desperate, raw, hopeful. It’s amazing how quickly we forget God’s faithfulness when things are going well. He answered my prayers a thousand times over.
But now, nearly a decade later, it’s time for me to pray for Superman again. As a teacher for 18 years, he has lived through quite a transformation in his classroom. And the transformation has been difficult. He used to have full autonomy to teach in the way he knows best: with humor, stories, and engagement with his students. He found great joy in dialogue with them, and would challenge them to always question the status quo.
But Superman is now expected to practically be a robot in the classroom. He’s expected to teach to the test, not engage in conversations about his personal life, and discourage any off-topic discussions.
My wonderful husband, who is an incredibly gifted teacher (someone who can make math interesting even for those who can’t stand the subject), is at a crossroads. Does he keep teaching, knowing that he cannot be effective in the way he once was? Or does he finally give up on the system and leave for a completely different profession? Or is there another option altogether? This IGCSE maths tuition is a perfect for students who needs extra help in their studies. If you have kids who require special education, you may consider enrolling them at a school that has an Online Special Education Program. Veterans and active duty military personnel who want to pursue a career in teaching or in any other industry may enroll in one of the online colleges for military that offer several courses and programs.
As a wife, it tears me apart to see my husband so devastated by the state of our public education system. And it hurts even more to think that they may lose one of teaching’s very best.
Over the course of Lent this year, I will be getting up extra early (4:15 am!!) and praying that Superman has discernment, wisdom and supernatural insight into which direction to head. In fact, I’ll be praying for ALL of you teachers out there who are struggling with the bureacracy that teaching has in so many ways become.
In addition to this, I’m cutting out sugar since my mind thinks most clearly when I’m not eating it. =)
Are you doing anything for Lent?
Lisa says
Thank you for sharing about your family’s life,trials and tribulations. Life can be difficult and confusing and sometimes painful.
By sharing your(the family) story it helps yourself and others at the same time.
Illnesses has consumed my life for the last 12 years but I try to read/listen to positive things instead of being negative.
I have not read everything yet,but it is always good to do something difficult for Lent so it hopefully keeps you focused. I really like your homemade ideas and I am going to try the dog shampoo because I have a little itchy baby that nothing has helped and we have tried everything,and he has been on prednisone for years.
I will continue to pray for you husband, you and the rest of your family.
Take care and God bless
Shanti Landon says
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! Glad you found my site. =)
Amy Dye says
I loved your story. Very heart warming and inspirational. I love the dedication you have for your husband. My husband is my best friend and soulmate too!