May 22: Finding the “Richness” in You

Last updated on: May 22, 2013 at 5:00 am by Patheos Daily Reflections

May 22: Finding the “Richness” in You 2013-04-24T00:52:24-04:00 Patheos Daily Reflections

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Fifty-two-year-old Albanian immigrant Gac Filipaj has worked as a janitor at Columbia University in Manhattan for half of his life. And in May 2012, he was part of Columbia’s graduating class as well. It took Filipaj 12 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree in classics, but his work was worth the effort.

“This is a man with great pride, whether he’s doing custodial work or academics,” declared Peter Awn, dean of Columbia’s School of General Studies. “He’s one individual who makes his own future.”

An extremely self-reliant man, Filipaj left his small home village in Yugoslavia to avoid being drafted into the army, where he knew ethnic Albanians like himself were viewed as enemies. In 1992, he moved to New York and stayed with an uncle, taking a job as a restaurant bellboy before becoming a janitor at Columbia. Now, he hopes to become a custodial supervisor, preferably at Columbia. Money, however, is not a primary object for Filipaj. “The richness is in me…not in my pockets,” he says.

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. (Ecclesiastes 7:11)

Jesus, grant me the courage to accomplish our goals in life.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

May 21, 2013

May 21: Blessed Are Those Who Bring Bliss

Next Post

May 23, 2013 May 23: You'll Never Guess Who Did This

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did Jesus do at the wedding in Cana?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Walked on water Fed the guests Healed a sick child Turned water into wine