Growing up I always loved school. I always sat in the front row because I didn’t want to miss anything. I loved the social aspects and making new friends. I enjoyed the fun of the Arts; drawing, choir and band. I’ve never had a good singing voice so choir was not my forte. Instead, I started playing the drums in the 6th grade and continued all the way through high school. But above everything else, I liked the academics. I enjoyed learning the essential “reading, writing and arithmetic”. I always felt a sense of excitement when sitting in a new classroom. Even during college, it was my comfort zone. And haven’t we all had that one special teacher who truly inspired us, who went the extra mile to help us, who made a difference in our future. Mine was Mr. Merrick.

Recently, I read something that really struck me. It said, “Think of life as a classroom with much to be learned. Don’t discard the seemingly insignificant parts. What appears to be small can often times be the key components.” I don’t think I have ever thought of life as a classroom even though I know it is full of lessons. Although I love learning new things, I find life lessons are so much harder than academic lessons. They are much more difficult to learn and often don’t result in good grades.

After reading that statement, I started visualizing myself in a classroom with Jesus up front as the teacher. Then I thought, better yet as my tutor. A tutor sits next to you while instructing. A tutor gives private one-on-one help. They explain things in ways you can more easily understand. When I started envisioning that scene, my old familiar excited feeling started to envelope me.

Life lessons are hard. The instructions can seem endless. And so often I have failed the test and had to start all over again. But each time I do, I remember who my tutor is. My failures are due to my lack of studying, not being prepared or simply forgetting what I learned the last time. It is never the fault of my teacher.

I have become comfortable with thinking of life as a classroom. In fact, it is the biggest, most challenging classroom I have been in. But I’m still loving the social aspects, the different classes and learning the essential lessons. And with our Lord as my tutor, I know I will pass.

“Learn to do right!”  Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.”  John 13:13 (NIV)

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned…”  2 Timothy 3:14 (NIV)

For years people have asked me to pray for them and their intentions. I feel honored and humbled with these requests. If you have a concern weighing heavy on your heart, please connect with me on my Prayer Request page (found in the Main Menu). I would be honored to add you to my prayers. I promise your words will be kept confidential.

If my story resonates with you I would love to hear your comments below or contact me on my Reach Out link.