Nate,

Only you can answer your questions. God has gifted us all in different ways. Some of us are simply better students. We all learn different ways and school is geared toward those who listen and memorize well. Visual and Motion learners sometimes struggle.

A "C" average may be the result of laziness or lack of study. Or it may be the result of different learning styles or different gifts. Your teachers might help you figure out which is true for you.

My suggestion is to give your best effort in school. Show yourself, your teachers, and your parents that you're using the gifts God has given to the best of your ability. We can't really ask for more than that - even if the results are not what we'd like.

Also, if school is not your gift. Look for other gifts. God has promised spiritual gifts to all of us. You may need to try new things to discover them. One way is to think about the things you like doing and/or the things you know you're good at. Use those gifts to serve others and praise God. Then you're parents will see what you're doing and say, "Isn't that nice!"

God's blessings (and go Prince Fielder!)