1. It’s a long bus ride to school. You ask your parents if they will buy you a used car so you can drive yourself this year. They tell you to get a part-time job and save your earnings for this year. They’ll match what you have saved at the end of the year. You
a. pout and remind your mom that you won’t be able to help much after school since it takes you so long to get home.
b. stomp to your room and start calling around to see if a friend would be willing to pick you up.
c. try to get a ride with a friend so you have time for a part-time job and can start saving your money.

2. You ask your parents for a Jet Ski for your birthday. After all, what good is living on a lake if you can’t enjoy it? You get a kayak instead. You
a. sign up for a kayak class so you can learn all the proper strokes and have fun with it.
b. store the kayak in the garage and forget about it. No way are your friends going to see you in a kayak.
c. tell your parents this isn’t what you had in mind as you drag the kayak down to the lake to try it out.

3. You try out for the play. Instead of getting a speaking role, you end up in the chorus. You
a. do your best in the chorus but point out everything the leading characters do wrong during practice.
b. turn down the role and decide to not even go to the play.
c. enjoy being part of the play even if it’s in the chorus.

4. You want to go on the teen missions trip, but it’s just too expensive. You
a. spend the summer watching TV and feeling sorry for yourself. After all, you did take the church’s evangelism course so you’d be a better witness on the trip.
b. ask your pastor if you can help with vacation Bible school or other summer programs. You can serve God at home this year.
c. reluctantly accompany your mom on her weekly visit to the nursing home, but on the condition that she buys you lunch afterward.

5. Your best friend and you planned to join the yearbook club together. Then she tells you she’s going to drama club instead. You
a. tell her it’s not fair to break her word. Don’t talk to her unless she changes her mind.
b. tell her you understand that her interests have changed and wish her luck, even though you’re disappointed.
c. continue being friends but change the subject whenever she starts talking about drama club.

6. A friend is having an all-night party. Her parents will be there, and alcohol is forbidden. Your parents say you can go, but you have to leave at midnight. You
a. agree and start planning what you’ll wear. It’s better than not going at all.
b. argue with your dad all the way to the party but meet him out front at midnight.
c. refuse to go rather than being embarrassed by having to leave halfway through the party.

7. You and your mom can’t agree on a dress for the senior banquet. She says all your choices are too revealing. You think hers are from the Victorian period. You
a. choose the cutest one from her choices. She’s the one buying.
b. go in jeans. You’d just as soon be underdressed as tacky. Remind your mom that she ruined the whole evening for you.
c. let her choose and pout about it until the event is over.

8. Your history teacher assigns a paper to be written over spring break. You
a. throw it together at the last minute.
b. be thankful he warned you ahead. You can get most of it done before break even starts.
c. forget about it. Who cares that much about a history grade anyway?

9. You want to have a major Sweet 16 party at a classy restaurant. Your dad says that the restaurant is so expensive that you can ask only one friend to go with you. No way could you narrow it down to one friend. You
a. plan a pizza and DVD party at home instead. It’s not your first choice, but it’ll be a lot of fun anyway.
b. ask your best friend but be sure your dad knows he’s cost you some friends. Everyone you didn’t ask will be hurt.
c. don’t have a party at all and let your dad know he ruined your whole birthday.

10. You’ve signed up for summer camp; then your dad gets laid off from his job, and money is tight. You
a. explain to the youth pastor and ask if you can get the money back. Your family needs it for more important things.
b. grudgingly get your money back and give it to your parents.
c. go to camp and forget about the money problems. You have your own life.

Scoring
1. a. 0 points b. 1 point c. 2 points
2. a. 2 points b. 0 points c. 1 point
3. a. 1 point b. 0 points c. 2 points
4. a. 0 points b. 2 points c. 1 point
5. a. 0 points b. 2 points c. 1 point
6. a. 2 points b. 1 point c. 0 points
7. a. 2 points b. 0 points c. 1 point
8. a. 1 point b. 2 points c. 0 points
9. a. 2 points b. 1 point c. 0 points
10. a. 2 points b. 1 point c. 0 points

0-6 Points Pouter
It’s your way or the highway. You don’t like to compromise. You know what you want and feel you’re entitled to it. The problem is, you can’t always have what you want. Something may come up to change plans. There may not be enough money, or your parents may not feel that you need something you want. You need to learn to accept what you can have rather than pout about what you can’t have.

7-13 points Reluctant Acceptance
You usually accept what’s offered, but not without complaining and trying to make others feel guilty. That takes some of the fun out of the gift or activity. OK, maybe you did get a kayak instead of a Jet Ski. Learn to enjoy kayaking for now, and maybe you can get a part-time job and pay for half of the Jet Ski next year. Take time to be thankful for what is offered rather than focusing on the better thing you wanted.

14-20 points Perfectly Content
You realize that you can’t always have what you want. Rather than pouting, you accept what you’re given and try to make the best of it. You remind yourself to be thankful, because there are people who can’t afford even one pair of shoes, much less a special banquet dress. You understand that sometimes the needs of others come before your own, and you accept it graciously.

Want to improve your score?
• Make a point to be thankful for everything you’re given, even if it’s not exactly what you want.

• Think about other’s needs. Find a way to minister to your parents. Do something nice for them rather than expecting them to do everything for you. Do the same for friends and teachers.

• Be willing to work for the things that mean the most to you. Get a part-time job and be willing to share costs.

• Don’t sweat the little stuff, like not being able to buy matching shoes for your dress. Who will know or care in six months?

• Get creative and look for other solutions. Find ways to make your own money. Look for discounts or things you can make yourself. Visit consignment shops for the perfect prom dress. Who needs to know?

• Sit down and make a list of 10 things you’re thankful for. Don’t give general answers like food, a house, etc. Be specific—I got an A on the test my mom helped me study for, or I was able to go to the amusement park because I had that day off from my part-time job. Do this every time you feel discontent with life.

• Write a thank-you note this week to someone who’s done something for you.

• Memorize Philippians 4:11-12.