The Bestest Ever! Not to brag, but as a kid, I held the esteemed title of the best altar server in my local Catholic church. I led the entry procession, carried the cross or a candle, and had the privilege of sitting up front with the priest. I even got to serve alongside the local bishop once, pouring the wine and lighting the candles. Sounds unbelievable, right? But hold on; before you get too impressed, let me confess – I was so good that they assigned me the task of teaching new altar servers. Now, if the above paragraph didn’t make you want to slap me silly, I hope it at least made you shake your head in disbelief.
Bragging. It’s a line we all tiptoe on, and if my previous paragraph felt like a bragging symphony, you’re not alone in your thoughts. I want to delve into a struggle that often nags at me – the challenge of sharing stories from my life without sounding too self-important. Saint Arsenius the Great once wisely said, “I have often regretted the words I have spoken, but I have never regretted my silence.” It’s a sentiment that echoes through time, a reminder that sometimes, the best choice is to let our actions speak louder than our words.
In the quiet moments of self-reflection, I find myself grappling with the fine balance between sharing one’s experiences and veering into the realm of boastfulness. How much is too much? It’s a question that echoes as I recount my journey, especially the moments that might, unintentionally, shine a spotlight on personal achievements. The desire to connect and share can sometimes blur the line, and I wonder if my words, well-intended as they may be, might ring with a note of excess.
As I navigate this internal struggle, the words of Saint Arsenius act as a compass. Regret for spoken words lingers, reminding me of the importance of measured speech. Humility, elusive yet invaluable, becomes the lodestar in the journey of sharing. It’s an ongoing process, a commitment to pause and assess, to ensure that the stories I tell are woven with threads of humility rather than embroidered with the fabric of pride.
In the realm of storytelling, the challenge persists – how to share without overshadowing, how to celebrate without boasting. Saint Arsenius’ wisdom becomes a guiding light, urging me to weigh my words with care. As I continue to unravel the tapestry of my experiences, humility has to be the thread that binds the narrative together. After all, in the grand orchestra of life, sometimes, the most impactful notes are the ones left unspoken.
Thanks for reading my friends, I appreciate each of you.
– Orthodox Trucker
Orthodox Trucker 