the parable of the test retake

Once upon a time I started cosmetology school. While there, I found out that to graduate, you must get 70% or higher on every test. The problem came when I found out to be considered for honor roll status at graduation, you have to get 90% or higher. 90 PERCENT!? Who can consistently commit themselves to A's on TESTS?

I started freaking out. Wondering how hard the tests would be and how often they'd occur. I wanted to get test reviews early so I could force my husband to help me study every night. What if I didn't get above 90%? What if I couldn't even get above 70%? I started to feel inadequate. It seemed hopeless, even for me.

Then I found out something life-changing. You can retake tests. Over and over. As many times as you need. Even if you pass with a 70%, you can retake the test until you get a score that reflects the knowledge you want it to.

Since that day I've reflected on that concept and how it reflects the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No matter how many times we mess up, we get to retake our tests in life. We may lose our cool with a family member today, but chances are good that we will get another opportunity to retake that test. When we forget or "forget" to pray one night, we get to retake that test and try again the next day.

"However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don't have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atonement shines."

(Jeffrey R. Holland)

For every mistake, there is always a retake. And we get to retake those tests because of Christ, our brother, our friend, our confident and our Savior.