Marcus Aurelius

When I graduated from High School, I was honored with the title of Valedictorian,which carried with it the distinction of giving a speech at my commencement. My first introduction to Marcus Aurelius was during research for that speech. I quoted from Book Eleven, #4.

Have I done something for the general interest? Well then I have had my reward. Let this always be present to thy mind, and never stop doing such good.

Meditation I of Mari Beth

Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor who lived in the 2nd Century. When he meditated, words of wisdom emanated from his pen. In a feeble attempt to pay homage to the thinker, I would like to use his Meditation I for my own reflections.

1. From my maternal grandfather, Russell Abram, I learned good morals and self-control.

2. From my father, never to settle for a man who does not deserve me.

3. From my mother, generosity, service, and modesty in all things.

4. From my paternal grandfather, Rev. James Allen, to study Scriptures and not let any man’s words distract me from Truth.

5. From my mentor, Dr. Glenn Martin, to know what I believe and why, and furthermore, to know what I do not believe and why not.

6. From my teacher, Dr. Marjorie Elder, to be a reader and hearer and not allow injudicious opinions to hold sway over my intellect.

7. From Deepak, I learned that my character needed improvement and discipline; and from him I learned how to value myself more dearly.

8. From my sister, Teresa, who is my number one fan and champion, I learned to keep my goals and dreams before me; her own strength and resilience have been a beacon for me.

9. From my grandmother, Iva Alice, good humor and the example of a matriarch who managed her household well by spending much time on her knees praying for providence for her family.

10. From a former employer, word-smith, and belles-lettrist, I learned to enjoy my penchant for perfecting my use of language; I learned the facility for artfully correcting ill use of the language, thus, became a teacher myself.

11. From my employer, unbeknown to such, I learned first hand what a monster envy and duplicity can be; I eschew the very appearance of covetous attitudes and understand the root of said attitudes.

12. From my dear friend, Karen, not to offer excuses for there is no excuse that transcends friendship; we are kindred spirits.

13. From my dear friend, Cheryl, to withhold judgment when I am tempted to be mean-spirited; I have also learned to accept bona fide commentary on my own shortcomings.

14. From my brother, David, to love my family and honor them; he is loyal and honest above all.

15. From my grandmother, Sylvia Adeline, I observed self-control and quietness; her spirit was a mixture of sweetness and strength and dignity. According to her husband of 74+ years, she never raised her voice, a testimony to her depth of steadfastness.

16. In my future husband, I will find a kind, generous, even-tempered gentleman, who is humble; he will have accomplished just enough in his studies to feel confident of his own identity, but not enough to be vainglorious and arrogant. He will show compassion to all of God’s own, be quick to forgive, and willing to show mercy. His mind will travel miles above the ordinary while his enjoyment of life will keep him planted solidly on terra firma. He will understand the seriousness of existence, but will be able to revel in the hilarity of humanity.

17. To God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the three in one, the Holy Trinity, I am indebted for having a legacy of right living and longevity. I believe that though, imperfect, I may look forward to an eternal home where it will be my sole task to give glory to the Everlasting Father God.

So, Marcus is long-winded. I shaved quite a bit of verbiage in my rendition of his Meditation I. I suppose when I become Empress of something, I may have more to say.