This Sunday's Thought? 600 Posts, 3.5 years - Where to Now?

For hundreds of lives we come and go, building up the accretion of knowledge and experience which are eventually covered by new layers as time marches inevitably forward. Each day we stand at the edge and stare into the abyss to see all evil held at bay before us. Each day we look to heaven for strength, and each day, each year, each lifetime, we manage to abide. Soon, we become as frozen sentinels, lined along the edge, forever guarding this opening, this doorway. We are the gates to hell on which the enemy constantly knocks. Ours is a choice to serve, as was our choice to sin. We have been into the abyss, tasted the fruits, and managed to return damaged but with a realization that, for those of us who stand, forgiveness is not a gift. We have only honor, duty, and integrity left in our arsenal. Forever we will stand the watch. Forever we will await the coming of the King of Light to seal the abyss forever.

This "My Sunday Thought" is one of fatigue.  I did the math this morning and find I have averaged 14.28 posts per month, 3.57 per week, or one post every other day.  It isn't as though the thoughts aren't coming, as my mind never stops cranking and my readers always have interesting thoughts of their own which they share.  More times than not, however, I find myself beating the same old subjects to death.  I have seriously wondered, of late, if it's worth the effort.  It is not the first time I've chewed on this, and I find it still tough.  Like an old dog I keep digging it up and working on it, wearing it down, searching for some hidden tidbit of flavor.  I always find something to keep me interested.  My faith tells me this is not my first rodeo.  I have been here before, done this before, and will, in all likelihood, find myself agonizing over it in my next life as well.

Each morning I wake up, knock on wood, and thank my God for allowing me to wake up to another glorious day in paradise, and for giving me one more opportunity to excel in life.  At 63 I find it increasingly hard, though, to drag my sorry ass to the precipice so I can look into the abyss and give it a heartfelt middle finger salute, before I spread my arms and give praise.

I have a feeling that a morning might be approaching when the arms will reach upward, the accretion will begin to harden, a sword of light will be delivered, and a final watch will be stood.  On this morning, another sentinel will take up position along the precipice and lips will utter the final words, "Hostes pulsatio usque ad portam civitatis."  The enemy is still pounding at the gate.

Until such a time presents itself, I suppose I'll find the occasional excuse to keep myself plodding ever forward.  My writing has already lessened, though the tone will never change.  My attitude, honesty, and plain language, seem to resonate with my readers.  I think I give credit where credit is due when I call a rose a rose or a schmuck a schmuck.  I have no qualms with calling someone an asshole when they've earned the title, or seem to be well on their way to doing so.  I always admit that I am no better than most, and worse than quite a few.  I am a sinner, a hypocrite, and so much more that, I hope, is better than the worst in me.  In this I find more humility than ego, and one must always strive to be humble..

In my duties as a chaplain I have been reminded, just recently, that I am so much more forgiving and tolerant of others thoughts and beliefs.  The hypocrisy of some "Christians" seems to still focus on the intolerance of the tolerant Christian beliefs of others.  It evidenced, for me, there is still much work to do in the realm of religious and spiritual tolerance of many for the peaceful, loving, and tolerant, thoughts and beliefs of others.

I ask, "Where to now?"  I looked down and found myself typing.  I wish I could be surprised.  

May your words be in my mind,

Your love guide my feet,

Your truth be a sign,

Your peace be a measure,

And your hope be a flag,

As I walk close to you.

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to the intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, in the guise of the Congregation's official, online, blog, "The Path," of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead chaplain at a regional medical center.