“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.
1 comment:
1. Pride - Sometimes in life, things are not your fault and you are not the one who should be apologizing.
2. Anger - Understanding the everyday hustle and bustle of life, I too forget to not let the "little" annoyances of life steal joy from me.
3.Envy - An attitude of gratitude will cure any case of envy and open up room in your life for the things you want to come in.
4.Greed - Just from knowing you since middle school and reading your blog, I don't think you go to work everyday for the money at all. Sure you have responsibilities, but I suspect its sharing knowledge and yourself that keeps you going back to those children.
5.Gluttony - Moderation is the key.
6.Sloth - you know where we come from that's called multi-tasking :)but that is something that I want to work on myself. Time management and procrastination.
7.Lust - something we are all guilty of. All I can say to that is, renew your strength in God, pray and ask for forgiveness.
Lastly, girl I would hardly say that you have failed at living a good life, simply because you have the heart to live one. Remember,in life, perfection is not the key - the pursuit of it is. There is not one good deed that you can do that will get you into heaven. So smile girl because if no one else tells you, I will say "Girl, you got it going on, and I am proud of you!"
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