Be real

When it comes to Shakespeare, I must admit that I'm not much of a fan. Indeed, I'm in an abyss when it comes to classic literature.

Anyway, despite my "literary tendencies" I have always found this particular quote from Shakespeare particularly profound and enlightening:

"This above all: to thineself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."

This message really struck home one morning whilst I was getting ready for work.

After I adjusted my tie, I remembered that I have not said my prayers for the day.

In the usual mode of haste, I simply kneeled down to pray without realising my music was still playing in the background. Upon realising that, for a brief moment, I just wanted to recite my usual prayers and rush out the door.

Then I paused and told myself, "Look, is anything on this earth more important than God? Isn't He important enough for you to take 2 seconds to turn off the music and give a few moments of your undivided attention? Even if someone is out there waiting for you, isn't it better to let him wait than let God wait?"

With that thought, I got up and switched off my music. I knelt down again, took a few deep breathes and cleared my mind before turning my attention towards God.

Integrity is a value that is of utmost importance to me. And on that morning I realised that simply by being real we can practise integrity in our daily lives.

Whatever we conceive God to be, if we can't be real when we spend a few brief moments with Him, what will we be like when we spend time with others?

Whatever our values are, if we are not true to ourselves, will we be true to our loved ones and the people we meet everyday?