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Topic: Exams (07/26/04)
TITLE: Making the Grade By Mary Elder-Criss 07/31/04 |
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I am not quite sure why my IQ drops a point for every sixty ticks counted off by the sweeping red second hand, but it does. Every since I was first presented with a timed achievement test in elementary school, I have suffered from this dreaded malaise. The sight of all those little circles, which had to be filled in completely beside the correct answer at such a young age, must have triggered some sort of misfiring deep in my brain.
Just the word “exam” is enough to make my pulse race like a run-away horse. My breathing becomes labored, my palms get cold and clammy and I have a strange, almost uncontrollable urge to run screaming from the building.
The torment involved in exams never ended for me when the test was actually completed. The real agony would begin when my friends and I would discuss the answers afterwards. It was then, in the process of comparing notes, that I was sure I had missed every single question. Total panic would set in. When I got to the point where doubts would assail me as to whether I had even correctly filled in my name, I knew I was in real trouble.
Fortunately, for me, I don’t have to take many tests anymore. Instead, as a homeschooling mother, I issue them. But there’s another kind of test that I face daily as I follow Christ, and I pray that when the final exam is given, I will receive a passing grade.
Of course all of us would like to receive an A+ from God in all of the subjects that count. It would be great to receive a gold star in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, to name just a few. The added bonus of a smiley face with a “Well done, good and faithful servant,” beside the topics of perseverance, worship, trust and understanding would surely earn it refrigerator status.
Were I to receive my progress report back from God at this moment, however, I am certain it would have a few areas circled in red. “Improvement needed in this area,” would most likely be scribbled in the margin, along with an added note to “See me after class.”
I am positive that additional exercises in patience are necessary, and I believe I missed some of the study notes when gentleness was discussed. I must have been playing hooky a lot during the term when self-control was taught, and I do believe that I was feuding with a family member the month that peace was covered. I figure God probably has quite a few more practice sheets printed up for me to complete.
One thing I have learned during my course of studies is that I have a wonderful Master. He possesses all of the traits that I am still learning. His patience with me as I struggle to apply His teachings to daily life is unfailing. His mercy is never-ending. When my efforts deserve a failing grade, or the very least, detention, He is quick to forgive and slow to condemn.
I know my studies are not over. There’s still much to learn. In the meantime, as I labor here on earth and occasionally bring home a less than perfect grade, I hope that God will look at my efforts and pray that He will grade on the curve.
Copyright 2004