Millington, 1

Mandy Millington

HUMA 1100, Barton

7th Period

2/24/21

3 Perspectives on Life

The sun shines elegantly through the dew-covered leafs of the trees in the park. It’s an

exceptionally wonderful spring morning, and there’s no one in sight without a smile. A tall, old

Christian priest with an air of contentment finds his way along the winding stone paths through

the archway of the magnificent trees above him. He walks across the path for a spell before he

sees two additional old men coming towards his along the path. The one ahead, the monk, comes

forward and greets the priest happily and eagerly. The second, an epicureanist, greets the priest

as well with a deep regard. The priest hugs his epicurean friend and bows to the monk, who

responds in a like manner. They all walk for a time through the park and eventually find a bench

near a pond.

The three old friends sit together and enjoy the silence for a moment, before a young and

disheartened man crosses along the stone path. Seeing the tranquility of the three older men and

the peace in which they encompass, the man asks if he may sit with them. Noticing the

disheartenment of the man, the monk asks the young individual what is troubling him. The man

mentions being called on by his church to serve a mission for the Lord, to which the priest

responds positively.
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“However,” the man defers, “I have also been accepted into a prestigious medical college

where I can learn the skill of heart surgery, to save the lives of others and impact countless

people. I fear,” he mumbles, “that if I do not serve a mission for my church, God will be

disappointed in me for disobeying His will of spreading His word.” Upon suggestion of the

monk to become a doctor after serving a mission, the man regards that he will not be allowed to

attend medical school if he leaves on a mission, and similarly he will not have time for the

opportunity to serve a mission after becoming a doctor.

“To reiterate,” the epicureanist says, “you have been accepted into a medical college

where you can pursue a career in heart surgery, yet you are now also of a perfect age to serve a

mission for your God, being able to spread the ideologies of a love and service oriented gospel to

people around the world. But if you serve said mission, you will not be able to return to the

college you wish to attend. Correct?” With a nod from the young man, he continues: “And now

you fear that by choosing to become a doctor, God will become angry with you for abandoning

your chance to serve as a missionary. And if you do not leave on your mission soon, you will

never be able to have the time to serve one later in life. That is quite a conflicting plight.” The

man hangs his head in agreement.

The Christian priest rises to the occasion to uplift the young man. He encourages him to

serve a mission for his God and that he is right to fear God, in both a manner of respect and

submission to do what He asks. “I believe God would want you to follow in His will of teaching

the words of His gospel to those across the world. If you return and truly cannot find a way to

pursue being a surgeon, He will lead your life in the right direction after all is said and done.”

This makes the young man feel better about a choice to follow his dedication to religion,

although he continues to feel uneasy about his unforeseeable future afterwards.

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Tentatively, and respectfully, the Epicurianist disagrees. “I do not think you must fear

God. After all, are you not saving God’s people in becoming a surgeon? I believe you may be

serving your purpose either way… However, by boasting of your skill and indulging in the

rewards of such an expensive craft, you will bring yourself further from your God and from your

happiness. I would suggest becoming a doctor that does not seek such great rewards, but merely

works in an effort to learn, serve, and alleviate yourself and others of pain.”

The young man sits up a little straighter at this remark, and takes a deep breath. “I

suppose you are correct, I would be closer to God and those he wants me to care for by being a

medical professional.” The priest shakes his head, muttering that to fear God is to respect God,

and to respect His will. He encourages the boy not to disobey the will of the Lord. They all sit

quietly for a moment in thought, the young man’s desires muddled in confusion. “You’ve been

awfully quiet,” the man whispers wearily to the Buddhist monk. “What do you have to say of my

predicament? I will take any definitive answer I can get.”

The monk stays silent for a long moment, tilting his head up to the sky and watching the

clouds rumble by in the wind. “I agree with my epicureanist friend here. Becoming a doctor will

alleviate the suffering of others, for the ability to heal is not lightly given. Although...” he goes

quiet. The sounds of birds and the wind rustling the trees nearby fill the air with peace. “The act

of spreading a gospel, a way of life, a service to your God, would bring both you and others great

joy and fulfilment. I do not agree that it will be easy or enjoyable at all times, you may face

many hardships and untold contentions. However, in the end it will fulfill your duty to your

religion. I agree with my fellow priest as well. I don’t think either decision would be inferior to

the other.”
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The epicureanist slowly nods his head. “Helping others find a way in life could

potentially result in unending fulfilment of both the teacher and the student. I believe our

opinions harmonize, friend.”

“As does mine,” remarks the priest. “Being a doctor could save many people, for it truly

is a gift of the heavens to be able to perform such a miracle as saving a life.”

The young man hangs his head yet again. “Then, what should I choose?”

The monk sighs, pondering his final words of advice. “I suggest becoming a doctor. You

will learn valuable skills and will be allowed to stop the pain of others with a gift not many can

easily acquire. It will set you up for a future you can see the direction of and still help people like

you wanted to. You must know, though, ultimately it shouldn’t matter what you choose. Either

decision may result in good fortune and ensure your God’s will for you.”

“I don’t feel at all sure,” the man mumbles.

“No matter what you choose,” the priest decides, “it will be a good choice. You need not

stress over which is right or wrong, but simply which is better for you.”

The young man nods, pondering. “Thank you,” he says with an unexpected confidence.

“Thank you for everything you have all said to me. I will take it to heart and think long and hard

of what I am to do next.” He sits up straight, smiling. “I hope you don’t mind, but may I sit with

you all a little longer?” With no objections, the four once again sit together in silence, closing

their eyes and enjoying the gentle breeze of the fresh spring air, carrying with it the soft hymn of

the morning songbirds.