Here I am again back in the same classroom, learning the same lessons. Really? Didn’t I pass with flying colors last time? As I look around, I notice these are new classmates, but everything else seems to be the same.
The assignments are being discussed when I see the canvas already laid out and I think to myself, maybe this is the final exam, maybe this is a test to see if I can actually use the tools I was given to complete this class project. So, with Pride and Arrogance at my workstation, we pull out all the old tools in my tool belt and begin a new masterpiece.
At first, the other classmates gather around admiring my work, cheering me on to new heights. But out of the corner of my eye, I notice that Fear and Doubt have gathered at the opposite end of the classroom with their arms crossed, shaking their heads. Soon Disappointment joins them. Chaos and Confusion start a rally and I’m taken aback. Have you seen my new work? Have you looked at it? Why would anyone be in an uproar about this amazing work of art?
Arrogance removes her glasses and nervously chews on the earpiece. Pride sheepishly steps behind me, and I got a clear look at my canvas. There are tiny holes in it I hadn’t noticed before. There are bigger holes beginning to form and the colors I am using are fading so fast that I can hardly make out the intention and integrity of the original design. I was confused. I was doing everything right! I listened to and learned this assignment once before so why is this happening to me? Why are these tools not holding up their end of the bargain?
I want to run. Get away from pointing fingers and chastising comments. Panic circles my canvas and I stand and watch as my new creation crumbles to the floor. Humiliation guides me to a nearby chair and I am encouraged by Sadness and Sorrow. I placed my head in my hands and sob on Self-Pity’s shoulder.
Then, without missing a beat, Professor Truth slides into the chair next to me. He doesn’t have to say a word, but I know He’s not giving me a fail; He’s giving me a save. He points in the direction of my workstation and for the first time, I notice a shiny new toolbox neatly placed in the center of the table. With Pride and Arrogance at my station, I hadn’t noticed it before. I walk over and open it, spilling the contents onto the table. I stand in awe as I realize this is a brand-new set of tools designed especially for this moment. For this assignment.
Friends gather again around my workstation admiring the new tools. Encouragement and Honor help me load my tool belt. I clean up the mess of my last attempt at self-completion and wonder if it would in fact be the last…
With a wink from Professor Truth, I know I will be given a new canvas soon. I securely fasten my tool belt and leave as the end-of-the-day bell rings for dismissal. Stopping only once at the glass doors to admire my shiny new tools in the reflection.
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