"Hurry, I need a pencil," I pleaded with my son. I was trying to jot down a phone number and there were no pens or pencils in sight. After some rummaging through our junk drawer, we found a tiny nub of a No. 2 pencil. As soon as I hung up the phone, I thought of all of our Rockdale County students who will be using their No. 2s to bubble in their answers on upcoming standardized tests.

Many of these tests will use a multiple choice format. The questions usually have four answer choices. It looks something like this: a) all of the time b) none of the time c) some of the time d) all of the above. There is a lot of discernment involved. Students will have to read carefully to make sure that they understand the question, the choices and the content.

Once the choices are made and the timer stops, all tests are collected. There is no opportunity to return to the test and change responses.

My faith is tested in a similar way. I've been immersed in learning about who I am, whose I am and how to live my life. My parents and teachers prayed that I would consider, accept and incorporate these truths.

Challenges are presented daily-someone is insulted, someone is excluded, or someone is lonely. I have many response options similar to the format of a multiple choice test.

I can pretend that the problem doesn't exist, become part of the problem and make it worse or work together to help build the kingdom of God.

It's not always this cut and dry. Peer pressure is a constant distraction. The fear of being rejected can cloud my convictions. However, if I tune in and listen to God's direction through scripture and my faith community, I'll feel peace with my choices.

So, as today begins, I'm going to use one of my favorite bible verses to guide my decisions: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15 NAB, NIV).