In my youth, I taught students in a small study room in front of a middle school.
It was during one exam period. I drew up some questions that were likely to appear on the upcoming exam, and I was conducting a class centered on solving problems on the questions. After the exam was over, I checked the marks of each student.
As soon as I entered the study room, one student said in a confident voice,
“Ma’am, I scored 100 on the science test paper. I did an excellent job. What gift will you give me?”
The student had been attending the study room since her elementary school year, and he was a top student who would always achieve outstanding scores. I could understand that he wanted to boast of his high marks, but he was too confident which made me feel awkward.
A few moments later, another student who had recently signed up for the class came to me and said shyly,
“Ma’am, I scored 85 for the first time on my science test paper. My school teacher also complimented me on improving my school grades, and all my friends also gave rounds of applause for me. It’s all thanks to you. Thank you!”
On that day, the student who was usually very mischievous with no interest in school studies looked prettier than the top student who scored 100.
I’m sure that the student’s grades improved, not only because he attended my class, but also because he must have made lots of efforts as well. It was commendable to see him being thankful to his teacher instead of boasting of his own work.
The images of the student are still vivid in my head, because they are very much related to how I should change spiritually from now on.
While preaching the Gospel according to God’s teachings, I would often commend myself and fail to give thanks to God, whenever I had reaped good results. On the other hand, if I had reaped bad results, I would have complaints in my mind. I am really ashamed of my past self as I did not give thanks and glory to God and rather easily complained. From now on, I will always give thanks to God Elohim, Teachers of my soul, for teaching me properly at the right time though I lack in many ways.