Paper Writing

Today, I received a paper back that I wrote for one of my classes this semester. I thought I put a lot of time and effort into this paper and when I received the paper back, well it was not the grade I was expecting. For me, this graduate work, I have taken more serious than my undergraduate work. I do not know if it is the money that I am investing into it (even though I am still paying loans from UG), if I want to prove to myself and others that I can do it, or I just want to show others that I can be smart. This brings me to a dilemma because every semester I strive to get an A. Andrew would tell you that I really try hard, but overemphasize the grades. I really struggle with being disappointed with getting a grade that I did not want and I become sad. Why is this that I struggle like this? Shouldn't I be happy if I get an A-? This brings me to the sermon, our pastor spoke about last Sunday. The one about Spiritual Practices highlighting Freedom. Why is it that I am trying to please other people? Should I not be the one pleasing God in all that I do? Hmm...I think I need to listen to that sermon over and over again.