Take this Test

I'm sitting here, watching my students take a Math test. Some of them are whispering to themselves, others are counting on their fingers or looking up at some imaginary object as they count in their heads. All of them are focused intently on what is in front of them - the 20 question, multiple choice math test.

Even though my students may be focused intently right now, don't think that they are always this way. Most days they are very talkative, and a few get distracted with something other than the lesson. Sometimes they are playing around and laughing. Other times they are looking off in space.

At this moment however, they know that the task that they have on hand is rather important. It requires total concentration. Why? Because what they are doing will show me, their teacher, the information that they know. Because part of their grade depends on it.

This doesn't change as we move into adulthood. In college, we are given final exams at the end of each semester that put us into this mode the last two weeks (or maybe even few days) of school: cram time. We give our complete attention to deadlines, driving tests, CPR certifications, even writing resumes, knowing that how we perform determines whether we rise or fall, pass or fail, are employed or unemployed.

Too many times we put too much importance on these tests, instead of focusing on what's really infront of us.

Family and friends.

Children.

God.

I want you to take this test. Make a list of the things that are important to you. Spend some time each day to the things or people on your list. Jobs, wealth, and status will all come and go, but relationships won't as long as you keep giving to them. Let this determine how successful you are.