Problems

The math classes that most of us remember began with an explanation of the process being studied followed by practice problems, first at the board with the whole class, then independently on paper. Today's math texts are still arranged the same way: first the teaching and demonstration, then the rows of problems.

Real life is a lot like that. First we have a chance to learn at home and at school. During those years we have some easy problems to solve, such as getting homework done and interacting with others on the playground. Following the learning period we cope with more serious problems, such as earning a living, building a family, and maintaining a prayer life.

Movie and TV life, however, isn't much like that. The hero uses special powers or privileges to solve his problems; the heroine marries Prince Charming and/or gets whatever else she wants. We can always count on seeing the "good guys" living a nice life at the end of the episode or movie. Escapist entertainment provides a respite from struggle, but involves viewers in a life that's impossible in the real world.

When we have a mind full of "happily ever after" stories, encountering problems can be devastating. We complain. We blame. We escape. We ask that futile question, "Why me?" Meanwhile, the unsolved problem grows larger.

Each problem we have brings with it an opportunity for growth, a chance to practice what we have learned. Some people are saying that virus infections develop the immune system. Indeed, people who are overprotected do seem to be weak and susceptible to disease. We know for a fact that animals raised in the dark end up blind. Likewise, if a chick is helped to break out of its eggshell, the chick dies. Couch potato people lose their muscle tone and, eventually, their health. People who stay mentally active, on the other hand, are less subject to senility and Alzheimer's. It appears that there is a use or lose law of life.

When we use our problem solving abilities we become better equipped to overcome obstacles. I've heard that Pope John Paul II got his finger caught in a car door that was slammed shut. Our saintly Pope thanked God for his distress. While most of us may not do that right away, we can often see some benefit to it when the pain subsides, especially if we pray about it.

This insight, however, can become difficult to perceive when the car keys disappear as I'm trying to leave the house, the dishwasher overflows, a virus-infected computer grinds to a halt, the furnace stops working, or a child is screaming. As I get older, though, I've been able to be calmer about problems. I know that dishwashers, computers, and furnaces get fixed or replaced. I realize that screaming children calm down and pain goes away eventually. Sometimes I even perceive a benefit from the problem. The new computer or dishwasher might be a lot better than the old one. Many times I find highly useful things while looking for a lost item. Broken computers increase my technological skills tremendously. Looking on the bright side of problems helps me to feel happy and hopeful. It probably will make me live longer too.

Mary Sue Laing, M.Ed.
Resource Teacher, St. Ambrose School
newskill7@msn.com

by Mary Sue Laing, M. Ed., New Skill, Inc. Academic Tutor