In my college education class, I learned there are two types of student attention getters-pleasant and unpleasant. Both seek and receive attention. Many students passed through my classroom doors, and each of them left some kind of impression.
Adam was one of the pleasant ones. He did his work, had a great personality, and was popular with classmates, teachers, and coaches. He brightened my day by just being in class.
It was a tradition. If he missed class for any reason, he would greet me with a smile upon his return and ask, “Did you miss me, Mrs. Sims?” I always did.
As a relatively new driver, Adam made a fatal mistake one winter morning on his way to school. He didn’t wait for his car windows to defrost completely, and as he pulled on to the highway, his car collided with another vehicle. He died instantly.
That evening I called my son, who was away at college. I was so angry! Why Adam? I thought I knew so many people who just took up space in this world. I could not fathom why God allowed this young man to die before he reached his potential. Heartbroken, I poured out my anger and frustration. I will never forget my son’s reply.
“Look at it this way, Mama. If you were having someone over for dinner, would you rather have Adam or some jerk? Do you think God is any different?”
I didn’t have the answer then, nor do I have one now. I still don’t understand why bad things happen to good people, but I am sure of one thing. God has promised He has a place prepared in heaven for those who love and trust in Him. In His infinite mercy, He gives others the time to discover His forgiveness and grace.
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that it is not my place to sit in judgment. Shakespeare said, “Life is but a walking shadow.” It is our responsibility to make sure that shadow reflects God’s love and mercy in whatever time He allows us on this earth. We must make our moments count.
Adam’s seat remained empty for the rest of the year. Life went on and new classes would come and go. But, some twenty-five years later, if he could ask me again, I would still have to say, “Yes, Adam, I missed you.”
In fact, I still do.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1