They chose NOT to read the directions, assuming that they already knew what they needed to do.
Or maybe....
Maybe they just are too busy or too unfocused to decide to do what they know they should?
When I ask my students, "Why did you mark that answer?" or "Why did you get it wrong?" They generally respond with, "I didn't read directions," or "I didn't read the story." Oh...how my blood boils when I hear those words.
Don't they know...to be the best learner, they must always do their best?
Don't they know...the directions explain the best way to accomplish the task?
Don't they know...directions can sometimes keep you safe, as in science lab activities?
Alas....they know...but they choose not to fret...just to "get 'er done" and trust that I'll get them to the finish line.
Know where I'm going with this one? If you've ever read my Blog, then you know that my ponderings often turn into lessons of Truth.
Yesterday afternoon, as I again was turning red in frustration, I was reminded of a few Truths....
To be the person I was created to be...I need to read the directions. Directions? Yep,
I need to read the Instruction Manual...
I need to read the Textbook...
I need to read the Whole Story.
I don't need to just skim it...or read it when I want. I need to read it regularly, and I need to do more than read...I need to study.
I can't tell you how many times I have uttered these words to parents over the past 20 years, "If s/he would read the directions, read the story carefully, and check his/her work, the report card could be so much better."
Yes, I'm sure Someone ponders that when He sees my life, too.
"Doesn't she know that if she would just read the Bible, read it carefully, and study Its teaching, things would be so different."
I must confess....some weeks...the only time His Word comes out is when I'm prepping for our Bible studies at church or in small group. How sad is that! Not just sad, in a legalistic-list-checking kind of way, but sad as in a heart check.
My Savior died for me. God's Word was written so that I could know Him and learn His Truths. Yet, I choose to let paper-grading, letter-writing, laundry-washing, book-reading, house-cleaning, nap-taking, or schedule-keeping....steal my attention and time. Alas, how dare I correct my students for not reading directions on a simple grammar practice page when I haven't opened my Bible in a few days?
Who would've thought that God would use a poorly completed third grade assignment to convict me of my sin? Well, He did...and He does.
So perhaps...if I read the Directions, I can accomplish this task called "life" in a manner pleasing to the Giver of Life?
Perhaps, if I read the Instruction Manual, I'll stay safe in my life choices rather than disobeying and being impacted by consequences?
Perhaps, if I read the Word, I can be the best Jodi Lea, I can be...for the Glory of the One who created me, died for me, and lives again?
And in the end, I know that I can trust Him to get me across the finish line thanks to His saving grace!
"All Scripture is breathed out by God
and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, that the man of God
may be competent, equipped for every good word."
2 Timothy 3: 16-17
and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, that the man of God
may be competent, equipped for every good word."
