Living above reproach
As a grad student living with undergrads, it's constantly on my mind that I have to set an example for the rest of the guys, even if they're not paying attention. This means I have to do my best to keep up with chores, step up when others miss chores, keep everything clean, and stay productive in just about every way possible. It's a tiring task, but it's helped me become a better person for it.
Unfortunately, I don't know if it's really having any effect on the house. I sometimes think that I was led to live here in order to be an example for others, but the lack of overall improvement in attitude and responsibility has made me question that. Having said that, I think at least one person has resonated with my attitude, and perhaps that alone is worth it--worth the time I spend daily doing leftover dishes, buying house supplies, tidying up, etc. Well, okay, maybe it's not worth the trade-off in time I could have spent studying, going to class, or sleeping. Time becomes a wholly different resource in the upper echelons of higher education. Is it fair to say that my floormates dump their chores on me because they think their time is worth more than mine? I guess not, but when I see them not stepping up, I can't help but think that they will always shy away from standing in the gap.
It's possible I could end up living elsewhere next year...the cheaper option would be home, which carries dangers of its own. The more expensive option would be secular co-ops (farther from the engineering buildings)--and I would be saddened to think that secular environments would foster better adherence to responsibility than my house. Then again, there isn't a clear vision for the direction and purpose of this house (possibly due to housing discrimination laws), so maybe it's up to us to take point on this. We should not be merely people of Christian persuasion living in proximity to each other. We should be Christians living for each other and for the glory of God.
This brings me back to living above reproach. That's how we should all live--Christians get a terrible rap from the media (public perception) as it is already. Never let it be said that I am not a loving, kind, or responsible person. Extending this behavioral emphasis a bit further, never let it be said that I was careless with alcohol, drugs, or women. May my words be true and meaningful. I will respect everyone as I wish to be respected. Never ask for exceptions to the rules. Do what you're supposed to do--and then do whatever else needs to be done. Lead by example.
Okay. This means I have to start being a better student, doesn't it? Sic semper ducis!
Unfortunately, I don't know if it's really having any effect on the house. I sometimes think that I was led to live here in order to be an example for others, but the lack of overall improvement in attitude and responsibility has made me question that. Having said that, I think at least one person has resonated with my attitude, and perhaps that alone is worth it--worth the time I spend daily doing leftover dishes, buying house supplies, tidying up, etc. Well, okay, maybe it's not worth the trade-off in time I could have spent studying, going to class, or sleeping. Time becomes a wholly different resource in the upper echelons of higher education. Is it fair to say that my floormates dump their chores on me because they think their time is worth more than mine? I guess not, but when I see them not stepping up, I can't help but think that they will always shy away from standing in the gap.
It's possible I could end up living elsewhere next year...the cheaper option would be home, which carries dangers of its own. The more expensive option would be secular co-ops (farther from the engineering buildings)--and I would be saddened to think that secular environments would foster better adherence to responsibility than my house. Then again, there isn't a clear vision for the direction and purpose of this house (possibly due to housing discrimination laws), so maybe it's up to us to take point on this. We should not be merely people of Christian persuasion living in proximity to each other. We should be Christians living for each other and for the glory of God.
This brings me back to living above reproach. That's how we should all live--Christians get a terrible rap from the media (public perception) as it is already. Never let it be said that I am not a loving, kind, or responsible person. Extending this behavioral emphasis a bit further, never let it be said that I was careless with alcohol, drugs, or women. May my words be true and meaningful. I will respect everyone as I wish to be respected. Never ask for exceptions to the rules. Do what you're supposed to do--and then do whatever else needs to be done. Lead by example.
Okay. This means I have to start being a better student, doesn't it? Sic semper ducis!
posted by spamchang at 1:48 AM
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