100%

Isn't that the grade you want to see at the top of every test?
Just some solid, academic proof that your hours of diligent studying really did pay off?
Then, when you DO receive that validation that comes from 100%, your heart is lighter, the air is fresher, your professor suddenly doesn't seem so dreadful and God is worthy to be praised!


But -

What if you did not receive 100%? What if it was only 82%? (fact: it was) All of those hours you spent pouring over texts and watching far too many Youtube videos about photosynthesis and cellular respiration suddenly seemed fruitless and pointless. Could your heart still be light and the air still be fresh? Could you still speak blessings over your instructor and find something to thank God for?


I had been wrestling with this, particularly by the time I received my third 82 (haha, seriously?! bizarre. Now, it makes me chuckle & praise Jesus for extra credit.) My attitude at the time? Sheer chagrin:

–noun

1. a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.

:-)

Eventually, I worked my way towards "Ok, Father...I know that from You and through You and to You are ALL things...so howww am I supposed to glorify you through this failure??" (maybe not FAILURE, but still. you get it.) But this was honestly my question - this is what happened, so there has to be a way for God to still receive glory through this...just a matter of getting my own attitude out of the way.
So, in an effort to decrease myself and increase my perspective of God in this situation (as petty & fleeting as it is in the grand scheme of life), I did what anyone else would do: since I made an 82, that must mean I should read Psalm 82!

(you think I'm kidding.)
Nope, totally did it.
What did I gather? A broader viewpoint - Rescue the Weak and Needy.
humbled. convicted. Yet, still not satisfied & prone to whine.

"But God, what if I had made 100? What would you say THEN?"
(so thankful for His patience...I would've slapped me by now.)

Psalm 100? oh nothing, just A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

"Don't wait to thank Me. Don't wait to praise Me. Yes, I will show you how to better prepare, but test grades aside - I AM worthy to be praised. Worthy to receive thanks. Period."


ahh, and just because God IS so very patient and gracious and relentless and wonderful, I met Psalm 50 the other day. (thankfully, not because of a test result this time.)

verse 23~ "The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!"


That's the latest.
also, Psalm 126:5-6 = encouraging.
God is in control. He knows.


Love!