As of this morning, Justin will have taken the English 1 EOC test TWELVE TIMES!!! He'll continue with day two of English 1 tomorrow, and then he will take English 2 EOC Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Why? Because HE wants to give it every shot possible to pass the test.
In his ARD in January, Jamie and I were ready to request the committee make a decision that he didn't have to take it any longer. Funny how God chose Justin to be our son to teach us! We didn't say much verses let Justin take the lead in his ARD. Mr. Morrow went over his results with him from the December test. He gets closer and closer each test.
This time looking at the data, I noticed something I haven't noticed before now. His scores in the poetry sections were 0 on every test on several categories. It took me back to when he was little, and we were going over a poem that had 'blanket of snow' in it. Justin so innocently looked at me and said "why would anyone put their blanket in the snow?" It was then that we noticed how literal Justin was and how black and white everything was to him. Looking at those results, I realized Justin may never 'get' poetry much like he may never run like all the other boys, but one thing is for sure,
HE WILL NEVER QUIT TRYING!
He, himself, decided he was taking the test one more time to give it all he has to be successful on the test. This morning, as I asked him to take a picture, I told him this, and I hope he never ever forgets it...
He's passed the test that the results will last for eternity in the fact that he doesn't give up, and not only that, he does it with a smile....not always, but most of the time!
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.
James goes on in verse 12 saying 'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Justin may or may not pass the standardized test, but thank the Lord, His plans are far bigger than a test. What matters is Justin's given his very best effort and not quit. Has there been times where he wanted to...absolutely! Has there been times where we wanted to encourage him to... absolutely! But now Justin can know in his heart, he gave it all he had! Now, the results are up to God, and we are so excited to watch as He does more than we can imagine or ask in Justin's life!
Be encouraged today! We will face trials...sometimes the same ones over and over and over again, but stand firm in your faith and KNOW God is in control! Say "I trust you Jesus" over and over and over again!
