Flunked

In college, I took a logic class. It was part of our basic curriculum and it made my head hurt when I read the syllabus. I didn't have high hopes for this math class because I was more of a PE and creative writing kind of girl.

The first day of class came and something amazing happened. I understood it. Nobody was more surprised than me. I got giddy as I answered questions. It clearly annoyed my classmates.

But, after class was over, the gals who lived on my hall followed me to the cafeteria and I led an informal tutoring session on logic. Me. Carol. I know, a mathematical miracle.

Exam time came and I held private tutoring sessions and study halls to ensure that everyone would pass the test with flying colors. I encouraged all my classmates as they filed into the classroom and shuffled the test papers. I was so pumped. With enthusiasm, I insisted we celebrate our great test grades with a trip to our favorite burger joint. Not everyone shared in my excitement.

Days passed. Tests were evaluated. Grades posted. I celebrated with each classmate as we read down the lsit of grades. They all passed with flying colors. Then, there was my name...

I flunked.

How could this have happened?? I had practically taught the class myself!!!!

I learned an important lesson the day a red 64 graced the upper right hand corner of my exam paper.

You can study the material all day long and be really poor at applying it.

I would like to tell you that I learned that lesson well in the hallowed halls of Mars Hill College. Unfortunately, I find myself still learning that lesson today. Especially in my spiritual life.

Verses I've memorized. Stories I've studied. Texts I've read. All are familiar in my mind. But, when the test comes, I fail miserably.

Luckily, this Teacher grades on a curve.

And, there's plenty of room if you need a refresher course. You are welcome to come sit by me.

But, I am not so great in applying them to everyday life.