"Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he's
rendered." Psalm 105:5 (MSG)
We humans have a problem: we forget easily! What would happen if we were forced
to remember?
In high school, I had an unusual history teacher. She gave us a history book
that had to remain in the classroom. We were not allowed to look in it. We also
had a notebook, and here too we were not allowed to write in it. We had to focus
completely on what she said during class, and at the end, she would give a quiz.
It was brutal. Many students complained: "Wouldn't it be easier if we could
study at home?" It didn't make sense to any of us. Many tried to keep their
history books open during class; but there was a real danger of being found out.
Not a good idea!
At first the students didn't like this history teacher. After all, how could
they remember all these facts just by listening? Some said: "It's not fair!"
Over time, however, we learned to focus on what the teacher said, and we were
surprised that none of the students failed that history class. That teacher
taught us something very special: To never be distracted in class and to focus
on what was being said. We learned that we can remember way more than we may
think! Amazing but true, we were blessed by how our history teacher taught us!
Our next history teacher was completely different. She was fresh out of
Teacher's College. She typed summaries of what she taught, and she made history
fun. She focused especially on religious history, which personally fascinated
me. However, where the students of the former history teacher had been
attentive, with the new teacher, they were quite noisy. It was a good thing we
had those summaries!
I learned from this that though, we may not like the situations we face, but if
we take the time to analyze them, we will realize that there is a reason beyond
everything; and if we don't go through those experiences, it could very well be
detrimental in our lives. I also learned from this that we can remember if we
try to focus beyond the distraction.
In the olden days, they erected monuments so that they would remember. In fact,
we still do this today. As for me, I prefer to rely on my Heavenly Father to
remember the amazing adventures He and I have faced together. They are truly
unforgettable!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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