---MYSTERIOUS WAYS--(MORE THAN COINCIDENCE~)

--THE convention center in downtown Dallas was packed for the conference. More than 6,000 of us had come for a week of inspirational talks about how to better our lives and grow in our faith. I'd driven some 30 miles from Fort Worth. From my seat in the balcony, I listened to the afternoon seminar, about clearing one's conscience. "Is there anything you may have done wrong that you need to make right?" the speaker said. "Do you to need to ask forgiveness of someone?"

-'Mr. Wilcox'. The name unexpectedly came to mind. He was my geometry teacher my sophomore year of high school in Fort Worth. I hadn't thought of him since I graduated, five years before, but suddenly I remembered with great clarity--a greater shame--what I'd done in his class.

Everybody liked Mr. Wilcox. He cared about his students and was passionate about his subject. But no matter who taught it, geometry was hard. I just didn't get it, and I needed to pass to graduate, so I cheated. I copied a classmate's homework. Mr. Wilcox never knew. He even seemed proud of how much I was learning. At the time, I was willing to do anything for a passing grade. Now, though, I was a mom with a newborn daughter. I regretted my actions.

"If anything came to mind, would you be willing to make it right?" the speaker continued. "If so, raise your hand." My hand shot up. I fully intended to find Mr. Wilcox somehow and confess my cheating. I just hoped he could forgive me.

The seminar ended. I scooted out of my aisle, went down the balcony steps to the next floor, walked a few feet, and ran smack-dab into my old geometry teacher.

"Mr. Wilcox? I'm Sunni Fisher. I was in your class..."

He smiled. "Of course, Sunni, I remember you. I'm surprised to see you here!"

Not as surprised as I was to see him. "Mr. Wilcox, I have a confession to make..."

Not only did Mr. Wilcox forgive me, but he invited me to attend his church. That's where I was inspired to teach. I've homeschooled my children and grandchildren and taught them everything they needed to earn their High School Diplomas--including a clear conscience.~~

--GUIDEPOSTS/SF