Did I Miss Anything

		Question frequently asked by

		students after missing a class

Nothing. When we realized you weren't here

we sat with our hands folded on our desks

in silence, for the full two hours

		Everything. I gave an exam worth

		40 per cent of the grade for this term

		and assigned some reading due today

		on which I'm about to hand out a quiz

		worth 50 per cent

Nothing. None of the content of this course

has value or meaning

Take as many days off as you like:

any activities we undertake as a class

I assure you will not matter either to you or me

and are without purpose

		Everything. A few minutes after we began last time

		a shaft of light descended and an angel

		or other heavenly being appeared

		and revealed to us what each woman or man must do

		to attain divine wisdom in this life and

		the hereafter

		This is the last time the class will meet

		before we disperse to bring this good news to all people on earth

Nothing. When you are not present

how could something significant occur?

		Everything. Contained in this classroom

		is a microcosm of human existence

		assembled for you to query and examine and ponder

		This is not the only place such an opportunity has been gathered

		but it was one place

		And you weren't here