Yesterday we experienced one of those “Ah Ha!” moments. My son was working on learning to solve algebraic expressions with variables on both sides of the equation.  While we were working the example that all too familiar glassy stare began to emerge across his face and his standard response to my “Do you understand?” of “Yes.” seemed empty.  As he began to work the practice problems it became clear that he didn’t understand.  We struggled through the first few problems, when out of the blue I felt inspired by God. I stopped him and proceeded to tell him this story:

The Variables and the Numbers cannot live in the same neighborhood.  They just can’t seem to get along.  The equals sign is the fence that separates each turf. So we have to get each back onto their own property. First the Variables want to jump the fence but they need help. So we bring in Agent Opposite. He neutralizes the Variable so that he can cross the fence invisibly. He joins his brothers and they become one. Then Agent Opposite visits the Numbers and convinces them to hop the fence in the same manner.  They too join their brothers and they also become one.  Now somehow a spying Co-efficient has snuck over with a Variable. He needs to return to his neighborhood.  Enter Agent Opposite. Soon the Variables and the numbers are on their own turfs and peace reigns over the world.

As corny as the story may have been, not only did I have his attention (which these days seems to be a trick in itself) but also he understood. I was so excited.  He worked through the problems and got them all right! Thank-you, God, for the “Ah ha” moments!

Job 32:8 But it is the Spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.