To Thine Own Self Be True

As I handed over my teacher ID and parking badge last month, I got some unexpected advice in return from our discipline secretary Ms. D (job description: save teachers and students from each other when tension rises).

She told me she was a lifelong preacher's daughter. She said that when you're in that position people expect you to be an icon for sainthood. Everyone has an opinion of who you should be and how you should act, until you lose sight of who you want to be and what actions you believe to be right.

"You're not a saint. You're a human being trying to figure it all out just like anybody else."

I have been getting that advice from so many different people, all kinds of variations of "Be yourself."

My initial response is that I'm still pretty young and trying to figure out who "myself" is. Not to mention that I believe you should work to improve yourself daily.

I recently heard Nadia Comaneci speak (such a great sense of humor!). Nadia said, "I did not set out to make history. I just worked to be a little better every day." I love that because tiny improvements daily are just about all I can handle.

I suppose what Ms. D was trying to explain is that only you know your priorities and end goal. Only you can carve your path to Heaven. That goes for everyone: tasonis and PKs included (priest's kids—get with the lingo, folks).

Let's be really honest for a moment and add priests, too. It's not for show that the Liturgy includes "Akhtet Sam7uni" "I have sinned. Forgive me."

Next time you think about raising an eyebrow at something a PK, Tasoni, or Abouna does (or anyone for that matter), remember the Golden Rule and forgive as you would like to be forgiven. We are all human, trying to grow daily, in need of God's—and each other's—forgiveness.

Ms. D gave me many other gems of wisdom. I'll share them over time.