When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

I like English; that’s why I chose it as my major. I do not like science in any way, shape, or form. You can imagine my disgust with having to take two Biology courses in college. What was even more horrible about the second Biology course was that it was at 8 am. I was determined, however, not to disgrace my grade point average. I figured if I wanted a decent grade, I’d have to put forth the effort and study. The best way to study was to be present for the lectures. Therefore, I dragged myself out of bed each Monday and Wednesday morning to be in class by ten minutes before eight.

Each college professor is different. Our Bio teacher chose to take attendance by having us write our names down on a piece of paper. That was the drill; every morning, we’d sign the paper and pass it to the next classmate. Like clockwork, a girl walked in every class period about ten minutes until the end. We all figured her class was the one after ours, and that she was there early. We admired her for her dedication to her studies. It wasn’t until the last week of class we learned the truth. She was in our class the whole time. She just came in so she could sign the roll and be counted as present. We were outraged!

I always wonder what grade the girl received for the class. Unfortunately toward the last couple of weeks of the semester, our professor fell ill and died. The new teacher had no knowledge of this girl’s habitual tardiness and flagrant disrespect for both the class and the old teacher. (Also, unfortunately, this new teacher didn’t know me like the other one did…and I got a B instead of an A.)

When I think about being a Christian, I am reminded of the priority that deserves. Our goal as a Christian is much more important than a Biology class; we strive for eternal life. Each morning our prayer needs to ask God for help in overcoming the day’s challenges. We start the day with high hopes, but we will inevitably fall short (Romans 3:23). Let’s all start the day off right – with prayer – and keep our priorities in the right place!