Dr. Waterhouse taught in the undergraduate Religion Department at Andrews University. He was mostly known for his course on Daniel and the companion course on Revelation. After a presentation he would often ask us if things were “as clear as mud.”
One morning there was a big test scheduled for the entire class period and I knew I wasn’t ready. I just hadn’t prioritized preparing for the test. For some reason, I was too embarrassed to take the test and do poorly, so I decided not to take the test at all. However, it would be irresponsible to just skip class, so I decided that I would go to class, tell the professor that I hadn’t prepared for the test; I had no excuses; I didn’t want to take the test, and then I would leave.
Everything went as planned until his response stopped my exit plans: “Well, can you be ready to take the test tomorrow?”
Why would he offer me more time? I had no excuse for not being ready for the test.
Seeing my surprise/puzzlement he continued, “It’s called grace.”
That’s the thing I remember the most from his class.
(This is now two stories about me messing up in college. I really wasn’t a bad student; I was a busy student.)
Prologue: In 2023, in my role as a Ministerial Director for the North American Division, our team was invited to Hawaii to do some evangelism training. The second Sabbath, September 16, I preached at the Honolulu Central Church where Dr. Waterhouse and his wife were attending after they retired to Hawaii. I got to speak with him and remind him of the expericence I shared above. He was happy to see me and to reflect on the impact he’d made on my life. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to say thank you. to him. Three days later I got a message from the pastor through FB, letting me know that Dr. Waterhouse had just died the night before.
Let others know you appreciate them TODAY.