One day, a professor entered his classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They all sat at their desks, anxiously anticipating and waiting for the exam to begin.

As usual, the professor handed out the exam papers with the text facing down. Once he handed them all out, he asked the students to turn the papers over to the other side. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions—just a black dot in the center of the paper!

Seeing the expression on everyone’s faces, the professor said the following: “I want you to write about what you see there.” 

The students, though hesitant and confused, got started on the inexplicable task.

At the end of the time allotted for the exam, the professor collected all the test papers.

He then started reading each one of them out loud in front of all the students. All of the students’ papers, with no exception, defined the black dot. Most made the attempt to  explain the meaning of its position in the center of the sheet. 

After all had been read, the professor stood before the class to explain the purpose of the test. The classroom was very silent.

The professor said, “First of all, I’m not going to grade you on this; I just wanted to give each of you something to think about…no one wrote about the white part of the paper. Each of you in the class focused on the black dot. 

“The same thing often happens in people’s lives. Most focus only on the “black dots” about their lives. For example:

    Chronic illness, injury,  or other health issues of you or someone
close to you.

    Complicated relationships with family members.

    Concerns about a job:
—the lack of one, the pay, your boss, the job’s potential, etc.

    Lack of sufficient money or income to meet financial obligations. 

    Disappointment with a friend’s behavior towards you.

    Life-changing events like divorce; death in the family
or of a close friend, etc. 

    The current COVID-19 pandemic that requires distancing,
changes in activities and our work, social interactions, etc.

Take your the eyes away from the black dots in your lives. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you. The dark spots are very small, when compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute and influence our minds.” 

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5 :16-18 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.   Romans 12:2 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.   Philippians 4:8 ESV

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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