During our primitive school years, we get used to taking tests. Whether they involve using a #2 pencil to fill in little bubbles or getting each letter correct on a spelling exam, we learn quickly that we must pass in order to succeed. We can’t get our driver’s licenses without both a written and in-car examination. We can’t get through college without passing midterms and finals. And we get used to the act of taking tests.
As adults, the tests become about so much more than academia. We struggle through tests of willpower when coworkers bring in donuts and we are trying desperately to fit into that special occasion outfit. We are forced to hold our tongues when people test our nerves. Our patience is tested as we wait for good or bad news and when children push our buttons. Heck, we even test our own limits by jumping out of planes and taking professional and personal risks.
Even as we’re faced with dozens of tests each and every day, we also find a way to test others.
We test our mates… Be honest, how many times have you said or done something to get a reaction out of your partner? If they behave a certain way, it proves they love us and if they don’t, we can move on to the next fish in the seas. I have certainly tested men in the past. I am a very family oriented individual and I have yet to find a guy that has gotten through the preliminary rounds to meet my entire family. I start with my parents. I know, I know, most people end with the parents, but I am not like most people. If everything goes well, I move on to my siblings and finish with the rest of the clan. Because my family is so important to me, I see no sense in introducing someone who likely won’t be around for a long time.
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We test our friends… And they test us. Friendships that last for years and years can be subjected to so many changes. Not all friendship tests are intentional, some are just a part of people living their own lives. We are tested when one friend finds love before another. We are tested when one finds success in their career. We are tested when children are born. Regardless of all these tests, true friendship will always overcome these trials. Sure, there may be bumps along the road and some tests may need to be retaken, but the friends that are meant to stay in our lives will always find a way.
We test ourselves… And this is the biggest test of all. Our hearts are tested by our heads in what almost always leads to a stand-off. So many times in my life has my heart tested my head and unfortunately, there can never be a true winner. It’s a test you can’t pass and a test you can’t fail. It’s you versus you. I’ve been there. My heart has fallen in love with mates that my head knew were unsuitable. My head convinced me to stay in a job even though my heart was screaming, “This isn’t what you want!”
So what do we do?
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We keep going. We acknowledge that these tests are meant to teach us lessons and we are to grow from them. No amount of studying will help us get through this test we know as life. As long as we keep moving past the difficult questions and situations, we are passing.
Now, put your pencils down.
Defining Wonderland 
Read this somewhere, kinda stuck with me:
” Life is the most difficult exam.
Many people fail
because they try to copy others –
Not realizing that everyone has a different question paper!”
What a great quote and so fitting. Thanks for sharing!
Great post……….
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
This is so true! Life doesn’t ever stop testing us. And just when you think all your ducks are in a row, that’s when they are scattered by the wind…
It certainly doesn’t! Just think about how much you yourself were tested last year, Susie. And might I say, you handled it like a champion!
Thanks so much Jess! It’s almost been a year since that fateful phone call. I just keep motoring ahead!
I am testing myself all the time, especially the questioning and challenging – ha! Life needs an alarm system at times because it tests you from time to time. Thanks for sharing – Happy Monday:)
We all do it, Renee. An alarm system would be so helpful. Great suggestion!
I was afraid there might be a test at the end of this post. Thank goodness there wasn’t.
I love your opening quote. Those are words to remember and live by. I just hope we all keep passing those tests so we can go on living.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Ha! No pop quiz today, Patricia. As long as were still living, we’re still passing those tests. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, if only there was a way to walk away from this kind of testing! Is there an option to leave a question blank when it comes to the test of life? Haha, that would sure make it easier. Thanks for an insightful post that makes my brain wheels turn 🙂
I hear ya, Caitlin! I get rather sick of all the tests too… especially on Mondays when my patience is already running low. Have a happy week and I’m so glad I could get those wheels a turning. 🙂
Eloquence … You put a simple matter into something so inspiring. A very well written piece. So uhm .. I’m guessing … You have to study first before you take the adult phase tests, right? 😀 People shouldn’t test each other intentionally but just let things be, whether good or bad. I think people do it though.
Thank you, Rommel! I don’t think you can ever truly be prepared for the tests that life throws at you, but learning to roll with the punches is key to passing them.
Love this. Well written. I think in testing our own limits we push back the boundaries and really live our lives to the fullest. My
Thank you, Stephanie! Right you are about testing our own limits. It’s how we learn what we’re made of right?
Sure do!