|
|
|
Complaining and Blaming: As
American as Apple Pie
|
"As Marriott goes, so goes the university" - the ancient proverb
that I just made up says. I don't know if it is even slightly true,
but it will suffice for the purposes of this article.
Now, I will not sit here and write that every meal in the Hamill
Student Center is a prelude to the wedding supper of the Lamb, but
all in all I find them pretty good. Most of the comments I hear,
however, are critical and derisive of Marriott.
Students complain about the selection, the main entrees, the
fat, the lack of fat (or am I the only one!), the short supply of
popular Rice Krispie Treats, and the inhumane treatment of cows
(?!).
For instance, Marriott recently tried something different with
what they termed a "progressive dinner." All I heard were
complaints. While the lack of trays did present a problem, the idea
was well-meant and the food was some of the best I've had.
What I'm saying is instead of picking apart those who are trying
to accomplish something and doing their best, why don't we just
pick apart the food! Who knows? When we leave ORU we may miss it.
If this annoys you, stop reading. Not now - stop reading at the
beginning of the next paragraph.
Wait!!! ... Don't stop reading; I was only kidding. Please stay,
I'11 try not to preach so much if you will stay (yes, I am pathetic).
This brings me to the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. This
work did not come in the form that I thought it would. I expected
it to be a sudden drastic change. When I didn't experience it, I
thought I had missed the boat.
Nonethericher, there was a change.
You see, I was way ahead of my classmates when I came to ORU.
I was already a cynic. For most it takes a couple of years. I took
great pride, and still do, in the fact that I am an independent
thinker. But being such a free spirit made whatever I said and did
pretty cheap. I don't apologize for thinking and writing what I
have, but I am glad that I've matured.
I still question things, and I will never be a "yes man,"
but I am learning how to be more open to things that don't make
sense to me. Oh, and I'm learning how to hold my tongue from judging
others. For me, that's quite a feat.
Last year I began to realize how critical and self-righteous
I had become. As Benjamin Disraeli once wrote, "it is much
easier to be critical than to be correct." Not only is it easier,
but it's also a lot more fun, I might add.
The question that finally woke me up to my state was an extremely
practical one, "would I want to hire someone like me?"
In all seriousness, I suppose this is a question we could all use
to evaluate ourselves. On one hand it would be great working for
me - I would really enjoy me.
On the other, I would be very weary of me. I know my propensity
to backbite and criticize those in authority over me, and am slowly
realizing how repulsive it is. All my good attributes combined won't
compensate for the contentious and critical spirit that I have.
Fortunately for me, I'm smart enough to realize how stupid I
was.
Oh, did I say I would stop preaching? I meant for my next article.
|
|
|
