By Zhang Jin-yun
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Painting by Weng Mu
When a noisy disruption tests his patience, this principal turns a potential conflict into a teachable moment.
It was another busy afternoon. Principal Li returned to his office to continue his unfinished work. Before long, however, the heavy thudding of a bouncing ball broke his focus. He paused and walked to the door, where he spotted a few teenage boys, probably high school students, playing nearby.
He felt at first a strong urge to go over and stop them, but then immediately checked himself. He thought, This is a good chance to practice self-control. I’ll hold my peace until I find a better solution. Settling back down, he resumed his work.
A short while later, the ball-playing stopped, only to be replaced by the deafening crackle of firecrackers. Concentration was impossible now.
He stood up to make some coffee and then walked to the door again. As the coffee brewed, its rich aroma slowly filled the room, softening the frustration that had been building inside him. An idea struck him: Why not invite them in for a cup?
“Hey, kids,” he called, “want to come in, take a break, and have some coffee?”
The boys exchanged surprised looks but then sauntered into the office, moving with casual ease. Each took a cup, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity on their faces.
“Principal, were we bothering you by playing here?” one of the boys asked awkwardly.
“It was a little loud,” he admitted, then added, “Maybe you could play on the sports field? It has more room, too.”
The boys gave slight nods, clearly on board. After finishing their coffee, they left looking satisfied.
Watching them walk away, Li felt a warm sense of satisfaction. He recalled something a teacher had once said during a study group session with members of the Tzu Chi Teachers Association: “Giving others leeway often gives yourself a way out.”
Many conflicts begin with a moment of impulse. But if you pause, let the anger subside, and choose a different approach, even a situation on the verge of confrontation can turn toward a peaceful resolution. It is often in that brief pause that unnecessary regret is prevented.
