The Good We Do

People who know me will tell you how happy I am, virtually all the time.  One can tell this just by looking at me.  It is that obvious.  I have been humbled many times by people telling me how much they either appreciate what I write, how much I have guided them and, to my embarrassing discomfort, how fascinating they think I am.  I find that fascinating.  Some, who have not met me in person, have even commented as to what an attractive man I am.  What?  I'm sorry, but I just don't see any of it.  Handsome, I might concede with some arm twisting.  They obviously haven't seen me when I'm not sucking my beer-gut in.  Then again, they might have had one drink too many, which dulls the sense of sight.  Some men suffer from this malady more than they'd admit.    As for those who praise my work, their response to my heartfelt denial of said praise is for them to prove they actually read my posts by throwing my own words back at me, "I am my own worst critic."

Out of the mouths of "babes" (aka, mature women).

I do take criticism from others very well, however, I usually just don't give a shit.  I don't take compliments well at all; I really just don't see it.  I tried explaining to one of my readers that, most of the time, I'm not really cognizant of what I'm writing and half of that time, when I finish a post, I tell myself, "Huh, I did not know that."  For the most part, what I write comes from "I know not where" and gets put in my "WTF" file until I can figure out for myself what in God's good name I was talking about.

Recently a cherished reader critiqued one of my posts as "gibberish."  Actually, in my invitation for folks to read this particular offering, I stated it was a "bit of nonsense."  I see our descriptions as the same thing, so this means I actually beat her to the critique before the post was even published.  She reads me all the time, and I'm flattered that we both felt the post was wanting.

So, why did I post it?  Other than to make sure people are really paying attention, I don't think one should just post the good stuff.  I'm in no way perfect and I have no qualms about letting people see that some of my stuff just sucks.  If it's in my head it's going to come out, good or bad.  Bad usually happens, as with the post in question, when I take a detour to my favorite meditative place, my "happy" place, the "Cusp of Infinity."  I usually struggle to make any sense of what I see or think there, so it should be no surprise that any post based on a visit here would be concerning. 

I guess I should be happy when, at the end of the day, I have managed no harm and no offense has been taken.  I am humbled by the accolades and gratitude which I garner for the little good I do and the guidance I am able to impart.  I am not one who lives for the limelight.  I have spent one long career that required I shy away from that very thing.  I try to lead a very simple, honest, and humble life.  If I desired public spectacle, you would find me behind a pulpit, scripture raised high like a mighty sword or held out in front like a protective shield.  I am not one to cry havoc, to the masses, and let slip the dogs of war.  You will not hear me preach the fear of hell and damnation, the lack of tolerance and understanding of an "all knowing" and vengeful God.  

Am I perfect?  Oh, hell no.  Reality check: I'm a self-admitted hypocrite and sinner.  But, if you ask me a question, my answer will tell you the way it is, as I see it.  If you need guidance, I will try to give you the best advice I have to offer, you may not like what I tell you but, I suppose, that will be an additional issue for you to deal with.

Perfect?  Who among us professes to be perfect?  Even Jesus kept trying to tell everyone he was just a man.  Are we any better than Jesus?  I think not, and if you do, I'd say you're a self-involved, delusional dumb ass.  Romans 3:10-12, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.  All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”  Well, maybe a few.

Will all of these compliments and prayers from so many, and all of my blogging and posting guarantee me a place in heaven? No, and why should it. My peace has to be made with God, "mano y deity." I honestly don't see a "heavenly" paradise in my future, and this is not a bad thing. I have a paradise right here on earth. I have been put on a path and I'm excited to see where my journey takes me next. The destination is important, yes, but not more important than the journey we take to get there. Everything will present itself at God's pleasure.

I know I am on a path which may transit many lives. I know that "time" is all in how you define it. I know reality is not about the destination but, rather, about the beautiful journey; the laughing and crying, hard work and good times, the people we meet and the family and friends we enjoy along the way. It is about learning, learning to help and to love.  I think it's about searching for God's truth as it pertains to each of us.

Our very existence is about the good we do.

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 an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those 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 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" 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 and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.