Rigor, Rigor, Rigor

These are the words of our counselors as they attempt to keep our attentions. They are trying to teach us how the education system works as we sign up for next years classes. Of course, the majority of the student body either has an iPod, cell phone, or homework out and is completely ignoring the power point as we sit in our big black chairs in the big black room.

Well, those words describe my life right now. Last year was my first AP class. World History. (Which by the way was one of the best classes at my high school.) Well, it changed my work ethic for sure. All of a sudden I had to start studying a lot more and acutally start working to get good grades in high school. You know, if you figure it out, a lot of school classes in this world can just be winged to get a great grade. Well, not AP classes.

I thought I had lost my social life that year because I had also acquired a job, started helping my church two days a week, and I was still being pretty lazy so it was a lot more difficult. But by the end of the year I had changed by attitude, did a little bit of work every night, got great grades, and dominated that course (and the exam. Big fat 4 for me.)

So when I signed up for classes last year I decided to take AP U.S. History too, and then since my LA was doing amazing I thought I could handle AP Language & Compistion as well, and then everybody tells me that AP Psychology is really easy so I decided to take to get a fourth year in Social Studies. And those are just three of the classes I am taking this year. UGH!!!!

This year has by far been the hardest year I have ever had in high schoo. (And I kind of expected it to be.) First term went by ok, and now second term is killing me. I can't keep up my grades anymore, and my goals are falling short. But if you could just think of the outcome.

These kinds of situations often teach people a lot of great skills for life. They teach how to manage time, and get things done. They teach people priorities, and juggling tasks. Overall, you obtain a better work ethic through trials. God talks about that too. He says that we will put us through trials to challenge us and that He will mold us into stronger being that way. I can see that in my life.

Last summer I was allowd to work four weeks at my church camp. By the end of the summer the camp director came up to me and told me that I did a great job that year and I had worked the hardest that I ever had. But you want to know a secret? I couldn't see a difference in my work. God must have done it. Isn't He a great God? He works in ways we can not see.

So guess what? I just signed up for those classes again for my senior year...and I'm scheduled for at least five AP classes. Wish me good luck? No, all I need is Him.