I feel crummy. Moriah is stressed out in her college Biology class and I wish I could have a redo. While I still am convinced home schooling was the better path for our children, ONE of the weaknesses I had in home schooling was not giving enough written tests.
In this sense, in this “assessment driven world”- I may failed my children. I have apologized- over and over- and if I had it to do all over again- I would probably be test happy so they could gain confidence and not fear testing. I’m sad for the anxiety and stress it produces in my college attending kids 
But that being said, I’d really like to know why we don’t test the really IMPORTANT stuff?
[Tweet “Life is a #test- God is our #teacher. #FatherGod”]
[Tweet ” Maybe we should have a report card on life and people skills :)”]
(Moriah- you’d get an A+++)
Let’s remember to encourage our kids to know God has given every one a gift! and to grow in their calling- to love God and love people. 
And that is what truly matters.
Surprising Treasures: I was struck by the thought that Bethany may have an advantage. Because of down syndrome, tests aren’t used often, aren’t stressful and they aren’t used as a measuring stick of success. Everyone is just thrilled when she learns what she cans. In some ways, wouldn’t that be nice?
Dear Cindy, I like your list of all those “untestables” and the surprising treasure thought of Bethany’s blessings. One memorable college class I took, the professor gave us a list of study topics, telling us if we understood these, we’d have no trouble with the final. (I wrote an essay on each topic in preparation and was well prepared for the final. In fact, it’s one class in which I really learned!) If only all professors were as generous! Perhaps students would be smart to ask for such a list. Other professors seemed to take delight in writing tests so hard it made me sweat. Unlike my dad, whose tests were fun to take, because he always made us laugh with some preposterous question he’d tuck into the mix. I think humor is a boon to good learning, and if I had it to do over, I’d make more use of it, myself.
Edy- I love to post a new blog anticipating the nuggets of wisdom you’ll add to my thoughts!!
It makes you appreciate teachers like your Dad. I always thought the point was learning the material- not making it as difficult as possible! Another trend that concerns me in college is this: online classes. Josh and Moriah both have had a few online classes- same cost- same work- no teacher- no support- no recourse. I’m glad I didn’t have to “learn” like that in college. Hugs and thanks for always encouraging and adding the icing to the cake <3
We are probably tested in the important stuff everyday. That may be why God made them so important.
Good point- maybe it would help if God gave us an update or report card so we’d be more aware of the important stuff!
LOL- can you imagine???? Ummm- Cindy- your report card for today is – C in patience- A in kindness- B- in creative fun C- in thankfulness and right now, you’re failing self control
Wonderful idea, Cindy! Love your list! And one of our grown daughters had “test anxiety.” Ohhhh, I’ll never forget the stress she/I went through before her tests. But she made it. Thank You, Lord.
XOXOXO
Thanks Julie- I don’t want to wish life away- it flies too quickly anyway- but I’ll be glad when those kind of tests are over! However- as Jeff pointed out, life is tests. Learning to lean on the Everlasting Arms- hugs
What an uplifting blog! I “accidentally” found you today and couldn’t stop reading.
Blessings to you, and especially to Bethany. She taught me much about courage and love:)
Shirley in Virginia
Thank you so much Shirley! I’m going to read yours right now! Isn’t it amazing how the Word of God and His encouragement can be found and spread about? Blessings!
oops…forgot to include my BlogSpot:)