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