“Teacher, are you Korean?”
“Are you American?”
“How old are you? Are you married?”
“Are you rich?”
These are some of the questions I am asked by my students. Their questions reflect the innocence of their youth. I simply smile and answer them to the best of my ability so that they understand that a person can be Korean American, to live in a house does not reflect your wealth, and a person does NOT need to be married to be by the time they are 25. I envy their carefree attitude of the world around them. They are oblivious to the idea that hardships do exist in reality. Ignorance is bliss. Ah, oh how I wish I could revert back to their days.
The age of innocence is like a dream that only fades away once you wake up. I struggle to remember most of my dreams, but there are those that stand out and replay in my mind over and over again. I remember my days of naivety when I didn’t have to worry about the bills I had to pay and the job I needed to be on time for. In addition to the typical worries of the average adult, I also try to do what all religious and non-religious people try to do: LIVE A GOOD LIFE.
Now, how does one live a good life? The answer according to old Christian teachings state that in order to live a good life, a person must avoid the Seven Deadly Sins.
Pride, anger, envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, and lust.
Pride, anger, envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, and lust.
1. PRIDE
I have way too much of it. If I do something wrong, I’ll acknowledge it and admit it. However, if I didn’t do anything wrong, apologizing first is/was not in my vocabulary.
I have way too much of it. If I do something wrong, I’ll acknowledge it and admit it. However, if I didn’t do anything wrong, apologizing first is/was not in my vocabulary.
2. ANGER
Korea has changed me into a horrible person. My temper starts to flare even when I get pushed in a crowded market place.
3. ENVY
I envy the innocence of children. I envy rich people and their comfortable lifestyles. I envy those people who have what I don’t have, but want.
Korea has changed me into a horrible person. My temper starts to flare even when I get pushed in a crowded market place.
3. ENVY
I envy the innocence of children. I envy rich people and their comfortable lifestyles. I envy those people who have what I don’t have, but want.
4. GREED
I have the desire to make lots and lots of money. I’d rather work every day and make money than to take time off for myself. I don’t like to share.
5. GLUTTONY
I eat too much. I drink too much. I enjoy food. I enjoy my wine and liquor.
I have the desire to make lots and lots of money. I’d rather work every day and make money than to take time off for myself. I don’t like to share.
5. GLUTTONY
I eat too much. I drink too much. I enjoy food. I enjoy my wine and liquor.
6. SLOTH
Even though I can work every day, I despise cleaning. I’d rather taxi it than walk 10 minutes somewhere. I like doing things to the bare minimum so that I have time for other things.
Even though I can work every day, I despise cleaning. I’d rather taxi it than walk 10 minutes somewhere. I like doing things to the bare minimum so that I have time for other things.
7. LUST
Give me a break! I’m human!
Give me a break! I’m human!
Considering this list as the requirement to live a good life, I have failed miserably… ::sigh::
I miss being a child again.
