Amazing Grace

When I attended middle school, my favorite teacher was Mr. Mendelson. He taught us science, and his classes were so interesting. We learned about the senses, the clouds, the microscopic world, and so forth. He was a fun teacher, and he also was a teacher we respected. Homework assignments were given each day, which were covered the next time in class. If a student did not bring in their homework, a mark was placed in his book for those who admitted it. A double mark was put in his book if he called on you to answer the homework question and found out then that you did not have your homework completed.

One day he asked the class to get out their homework.

Taking out my loose-leaf binder and turning to the science section where my assignments were kept, I found, to my horror, that my assignment was not there.

I looked and looked through all my subject sections, but I could not find it. Where is it? Did I forget to do it? It was obvious to everyone that I did not have my homework. While looking at me, Mr. Mendelson asked very kindly whether anyone did not bring in their homework. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed to admit that in front of the class.

Well, Mr. Mendelson proceeded to go over the homework questions, and I continued to keep my head down, hoping he would not call on me. If he did, I knew I would fall apart and break down in tears. Thankfully, Mr. Mendelson did not call on me that day.

Years later, after becoming a Christian and looking back at that event, I realized that grace was extended to me. Jesus knows the right way to treat sinners.

He is not out to get us or embarrass us, but through His grace and forgiveness, we are given the chance to do better. By His grace, we want to do better too.

Just like that day in class, that grace motivated me to remember to do my homework each day. Mr. Mendelson knew his students well. He knew who the slackers were and who was trying, and he dealt with each accordingly. That is what made Mr. Mendelson a great teacher. How much more is the amazing grace that God extends to us! It is a reason to sing praises to our God. He will always be for us and never against us (see Romans 8:31).

Rosemarie Clardy