To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

How these words continue to resonate with me throughout the years

1137
To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected
Chen Feng

“To whom much is given, much is expected.”

I first heard this in high school: in a plaid skirt and Sperry’s, with my MacBook on my desk that my Vera Bradley bag rested on. It didn’t fully set in at the that time, but over the years it resonates with me more and more. In the hallways of the private all-girls school I attended I didn’t realize what that quote meant for me, personally. I was definitely very privileged and my family was able to comfortably provide for my brother and me. I was receiving an amazing education, played for one of the most competitive tennis programs around, and was active in my church’s youth group. I didn’t process just how much was given to me, but my school tried to remind me often.

I think they realized how some of us, high school girls, got completely absorbed in our designer worlds. Our head of school was trying to break our molds that we got put into by being a part of that community. “To whom much is given, much is expected.” We were given incredible opportunities at our school to grow and immerse ourselves in the community we lived in and in the communities abroad traveling. We were then expected to take full advantage of all of those opportunities, because why waste them? Why waste the invaluable lessons we could receive from our teachers by having such small class sizes, or waste the opportunity to go on service trips abroad? Why waste opportunities practically placed in our laps. We were expected to rise and thrive there, and most of us did.

Flash forward to the small country of Swaziland in 2013. I was in a small village, holding a half dressed, hungry, tired, incredibly sweet baby boy. “To whom much is given, much is expected” I was given incredible blessings in life, and presented an opportunity to travel and do mission work with my aunt and her church. I was given the funds through tireless fundraising and much generosity. I was given so much, that I poured all I had into that small village. I left a piece of my heart there, with those people, with that boy. I didn’t have much when I went, but I had an able working body and a huge heart. I helped them in any way I could, preparing food for the children, teaching in their preschools, and worshiping in their churches with them. I didn’t speak their language, but love has no language, and lasts forever. When I returned home, I signed up to sponsor one of the little boys I met, and gave a monthly donation that provided him the opportunity to go to school and have meals each month.

Present day, I am working full time with adults with developmental disabilities. “To whom much is given, much is expected” I have never loved any other job as much as I love this one. I see myself in this field a very long time. It’s not always easy, there can be unpredictability, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I was given a healthy working body, a good understanding of different forms of communication and an empathetic ear. If I was given all this, how could I not do my job? I have run into people and share with them what I do and am surprised when people tell me they couldn’t necessarily do my job. To me, it’s a no-brainer. I don’t mind assisting with hygiene routines daily, helping with laundry, helping execute their programs or anything that my job entails. I had gone to the doctors last week and she asked what I do, so I told her where I work and she just said “Wow, thank you for doing that, that takes a special person” and it really made me stop because to me it’s not even an option of if I do what I do, it’s an absolute privilege. I feel lucky to be able to spend 40 hours a week with them.

I was given so much, it’s not just an obligation or expectation for me give back, it’s a lifestyle. I choose every day to remind myself of the vast number of blessings I have, and that will always keep me happy and on track. Life gets really hard sometimes, situations come up and there will be times of feeling helpless. But I wouldn’t change a single thing about my life right now. I feel like I have so much more to give. I have so many more expectations for myself, and I’m blessed to be in a position to reach and achieve those goals. I will forever let those words I heard in the hallways of my high school ring throughout my life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

158867
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

46215
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

41207
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments