On Becoming A Symbol

I once read an article with Prince Harry, where he said that he was born into a life of service. I found it hard to understand how someone, born a prince, would describe his life to be one of service. I always thought that royalty meant living a life of glamour, a life where you are the one being served. 

And then I became the Wife of the Ambassador, and it all clicked. 

Being served and living a life of service are two halves of the same coin.

An Ambassador’s importance lies in his being a symbol of the state. 

Likewise, the spouse is also seen as a symbol of the state. The wife of the ambassador has some of the glory shown to the ambassador. Less glory perhaps, but also less of the service as well.  My job is to look respectable, to be a gracious hostess and I can also choose projects that are meaningful and establish diplomatic good will. 

Originally I was opposed to this idea, as I thought it would be humiliating. I have always wanted to be more than just a wife. This role wasn’t something that I imagined would make me feel fulfilled. I love business and creating my own projects and adventures. Playing the role of second fiddle did not really appeal to me. 

I realized however, that my position here is important. I am not demeaning myself as a woman by taking on the job of Wife Of. I represent the State of Israel. That is huge! That is enormous!  My appearance and my behaviour are no longer about myself, but rather about what I represent.  

I serve just by existing. I choose to serve well by acting graciously and by presenting in an appropriate fashion. It is very different from my life as I lived in the past where I would live just for myself. I must admit that it does feel a little strange and requires a bit of a mind shift. 

I serve the country, and the bonus is that in return I am served.

An ambassador is provided with staff which includes a car and a driver. It’s actually pretty cool. The driver opens the car door for me and calls me Madam. I admit, this definitely felt strange for the first few days, but I find myself adjusting quite well. 

If I go shopping, he carries the bags for me. If it rains he holds an umbrella over my head for me.  It’s all very VIP. But a VIP is exactly what I am now.

I no longer live a life for myself. My life has become more meaningful on a greater scale and less about who I am. It is no longer about my own choices and desires. My reality is both larger and smaller at the same time. I live to serve, and every single aspect of my life serves that purpose.

I am a symbol of the state.  

I serve and in return I am served. 

Would I prefer to live a life for myself?  

I lived a life for myself in the past. The question is irrelevant to my present. 

I choose to be here now. 

I live a life of service. 

I do this for myself, for my husband, and for my people.

I am honored to be considered worthy of this position.