Aqua Marcia

Tonight, my Italian Instructor brought me a detailed, color map of the largest/longest aquaduct built in the Roman Empire. It traveled from the Tiber River to downtown Roma back in the day. It was called "Aqua Marcia" in honor of a fantastic Emperor named Marcus. I think my teacher was trying to encourage me because "Marcia" in some parts of Italia means rotten. He continues to use Marsilia.
My parents named my older brother, Marc, and then when I came along, they named me, Marcia. I think it all goes back to that famous Marcus from the Roman empire. My brother Marc can certainly think that! Anyway, I am going to frame the map because it is beautiful, and it has Aqua Marcia printed in red along the aquaduct.  It reminds me of the grace my teacher extended to me in trying to give my name worth and value.  He chose to be kind and uplifting.

This ability - and this responsibility - to choose is a part of what makes us human. The way we make those choices, and the values we use in our decisions, reflect the influence our faith has in guiding us.