They got the practice...but failed the test!

One of the most discouraging things for a teacher is to give a test and have only a few kids pass it.  Somedays, I feel like this is the story of my life.  As I was venting to a friend about how the kids seem to get it during guided practice and even independent practice, yet can't do it on the test; the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "Amy, this is how I feel with you sometimes."  

Ouch!  But...let's be honest...it is true.  How many times as humans do we work with God to trust him, or to love our neighbors, and we "get it" during the practice?  We "get it" while we are at church and talking about it in Bible Study, but when the test comes, we fail! 

The cool part is that God understands how I feel in my classroom.  The more I thought about this, I realized God was using my frustrations to teach me how to handle the feelings.  He most definitely does not give up on me or take out His frustration on me.  In fact, He does just the opposite, He loves me even more.  So, the next time the kids "get it" in class, but don't show it on the quiz, I will work to pass MY test of loving, cherishing, and encouraging them.  That IS what I have been called to do.