Christian Library | Full Free Coptic Books | Orthodox Library

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth), book by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

199- I’m the Captain

 

St-Takla.org Image: The pilot, Captain - from St-Takla.org's Ethiopia Visit, 2008 - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org, April-June 2008. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: الربان، الكابتن - قائد سفينة - من صور رحلة موقع الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت للحبشة (إثيوبيا) عام 2008 - تصوير مايكل غالي لـ: موقع الأنبا تكلا، إبريل - يونيو 2008.

A youth was raised in one of the neighborhoods of New York and was working in the theatres. He was famous for his dramatic script. He bought a yacht and hired a person to steer it. He used to call himself "the captain". He bought a certain uniform designed for the skipper with copper buttons and golden medals.

He accompanied his mother on a cruise. When his mother boarded the yacht he went into his room and put on the skipper's uniform. Then he came to his mother and said, "Mom, I’m the skipper of the boat."

His mother looked at her spoiled son and said, "Yes, you’re the captain according to your own opinion.” Then she remained silent for sometime and continued,

"You’re the captain of the boat according to your opinion and your mother's but not according to the captain's point of view."

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: أنا الربان.

Many a time I regard myself as virtuous according to myself

And according to other people's opinions. But am I virtuous in Your opinion, God?

Let me be virtuous, Oh Lord.

According to You and not to other people's thoughts.

---