Work in Progress

For the last year I've tutored one of the 5/8 boys once a week in Abundant Life's after-school tutoring program.  This particular kid had a history of being difficult with tutors, which is actually why I was approached mid-year about tutoring him (the coordinator hoped that I might have more success with him).  At first, I'd estimate we had a productive tutoring session about every other week.  Now, we're productive probably 75% of the time.

Last week, he was tired and made it clear that he did not want to be there.  He asked me to take him home early but I refused.  I tried to get him to focus on his work but he wouldn't budge.  Finally, I called his father and let him talk to his son.  They argued for a bit and then his dad told me that his son would have an attitude adjustment next week.  Because my tutee was still refusing to work, I dropped him off in the office and went home.

This week I showed up at tutoring and my tutee was waiting for me in the cafeteria.  This in itself was surprising because he often tries to sneak onto the bus or hide from us.  But then I heard this remarkable story: apparently, he had gotten onto the bus, but then felt guilty and decided it would be better for him to come to tutoring.  I've become used to his lying about not having any work to do, whining about not wanting to do anything, and lackluster effort.  But this week he was as well-behaved as he's ever been, worked throughout the entire session, and earned the maximum amount of points.

I don't tell this story to toot my own horn; I'm not up for any Tutor of the Year awards.  I just think with a solid relationship, some good strategies, and a lot of faith, patience, and perseverance, God will make a difference in this child's life.  And I'm blessed to be a part of it.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4