After five years as a permanent teacher in the school near home, I was assigned as the officer-in-charge of a newly independent high school department quite far away from home. This situation caused many changes in my life and my career. I had to spearhead the school’s operations, as well as guide the new teachers who were initially considered volunteers and funded by the provincial government with rather meager compensation. The school continued to run smoothly for the first three years, and everyone enjoyed good interpersonal relationships with the others in spite of the economic situation.

In 2004, I met the life of unity in a summer gathering or Mariapolis. What struck me most in that event was the encouragement of Chiara Lubich to love all, to be the first to love, to love our enemy and to love Jesus Forsaken or in short, the Art of loving. I thought it was quite easy to practice all these forms of loving—until I was put to the test…

I never expected that problems would arise after my first three years as an officer-in-charge of that high school. It happened when my locally paid teachers who were not yet on a permanent status became dissatisfied. When two positions for a permanent teaching position became available, those volunteer teachers tried to find ways to be the first ones to be hired until a number of misunderstandings rose among my co–teachers and spoiled that harmonious relationship among us which we had built up over the last three years.

One of the teachers had such an overwhelming desire to get that position that she put down others just to boost her own chances to be hired. Her desire to secure that post was so obvious that I realized that she even wanted to take my job as school head. When she did become a permanent teacher, she started to ruin my reputation. Eventually she became a burden to the school, affecting not only myself as the school head, but also the other teachers and students.

She reported to the school auditor and even the regional officer that I was mishandling funds. I thought that would have been the end of my job! She worked hard to destroy my reputation and good name. I thought my students and teachers would come to despise me. Although I tried to talk to her, she often refused to accept the wrong she had done, and would give me a number of excuses, defending herself. At first I couldn’t understand her behavior at all. But I kept trying to see the good in her. Eventually, I came to know that she had a problem in the family, and I realized how her family problems might have influenced her at work and everyday life. I understood then that she was suffering and hurting inside, so I really tried to be patient, ready to go extra “miles” and with “smiles”.

Yes, she gave me so many headaches, but I knew and continued to hope that someday she would change. I tried to show my love for her because Jesus was in her and this motivation helped me to understand her. Finally, I noticed that she was responding to the love and care I was showing her by at least not spreading any more rumors about me. I really started to see changes in her as she tried to be my friend too.

As for my fear to be without a job because of the rumors spread about me, quite the opposite happened. The regional officer spoke with me and I was able to explain the situation clearly to her. She believed in me and instead of being demoted, I was even promoted to become principal of the school.

It was a blessing indeed, like roses from heaven that blossomed among thorns which I hadn’t expected, thanks to the Art of Loving and a special love for Jesus Forsaken, the very first lessons that struck me when I encountered the spirituality of unity. I never really thought that they would keep me survive in stormy seas.

S.J.