Then one day (when I was much older than I'd like to admit), I decided to try a different approach. I sat in the front row. Pretty quickly, I noticed a dramatic difference in my performance in the class. I was much more engaged in what my professor was saying, much more able to see the chalkboard, and much less able to know what else was going on elsewhere in the classroom, because I was sitting up front and couldn't turn around. My grades dramatically improved. They dramatically improved because I was actively involved in the class. But more importantly, my qualities as a student dramatically improved (and my professors who had had me for more than one class noticed). I was actively involved in learning, and WANTING to learn.
These days, the front row is the only place I sit. But I'm not just sitting there. I arrive on time, with my notebooks and pens out, and the materials I'll need for that class period ready to go. All of my teachers and professors know my name. And they know where I sit. My attitude has changed from “Do I have to be here?” to “I'm here to learn! Teach me somethin!” I don't go to class for the grade any longer (good grades are a bonus), I go to class because I want to learn! And I want to be a good student. Good students do their homework. And, good students set a bedtime for themselves, so that they can be actively involved the next morning. (I would be lying if I said I did this well all the time – but I'm getting there.)
It has also dawned on me, that it is with this same kind of attitude toward school that I ought to be approaching the Christian Life; my walk with God.
I can either take a backseat approach to my walk with God, or a front-seat approach. The more active and engaged and intentional I am with God, reading my bible, and participating in my faith journey, the more and more I find I eventually get out of it. (And yes, if we're going to be serious about being Christians, we need to do our best, in all aspects of life – including academics.)
So, these days, I'm not just sitting in the front row when in school, I also sit in the front row while in church, (and if I'm able, at concerts too), because I want to be there. I want to actually, and actively, experience what's going on.
Be present in your life, be present in your learning, be present in your walk with God (even if you're convinced that God doesn't exist).
You belong here,
Ben J
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3
“The lazy person does not plow in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.”- Proverbs 20:4
“And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be themeasure you get, and still more will be given you.'”- Mark 4:24
“Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” - Hebrews 2:1
Upcoming:
Junior High Retreat 5/16-18
Last Open Stage Nights 5/30 &6/6
Last Youth Fellowship Until Fall 6/1
Senior Farewell:6/1
Confirmation Sunday: 6/8
Music:
Mayday Parade – Monsters in the Closet (the entire album)
Dustin Kensrue – It Is Finished
Phil Wickham – The Ascension
Foo Fighters – Home
Lights – Heavy Rope (Acoustic)