At the Cusp of Forever (An Old Guy at the Abyss)

"He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden."

-- Plato, ancient Greek philosopher (427-346 B.C.)

In October, I will celebrate 65 years on this plane of existence.  As I stare into the abyss, I can't help but consider all which has passed; people and things I have done, or not, and what mark I leave as I move forward into eternity, not that I have any plans of leaving soon, but fate can blindside you with an "Oh crap!" when you least expect it.  As recommended by the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, I approach my senior years with "a calm and happy nature," and hardly feel the pressure of advancing age.  I always decry the poor wisdom of dwelling on the past but, as I look back, there was no burden in youth so heavy I could not overcome.  As for now, I find no burden of age which I cannot dismiss save, perhaps, for those few loves in which I was not fully invested.

My failings, as I get older, would be my poor memory for names and my lack of concern for that construct of mankind which we refer to as "time," though I'm certain the human focus on "time" will march steadily ahead with or without my ministrations.  Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw  (1856-1950) once advised, "Do not try to live forever, you will not succeed,"  which is fine advice for an atheist or a mortal, but poor advice for those of us who understand that we have eternity in which to move mountains.

At my end I will not have completed a fraction of what I would have liked, and I have no regret over this, as it leaves much with which to occupy my next life.  As for any mark I leave behind for others to ponder, I can only hope it will be more interesting to consider than some skid mark on tighty-whities, if anyone deigns to consider me at all.

"At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don't care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all."

-- Ann Landers (1918-2002), advice columnist

Old men approaching the age of ninety might take Albert Einstein's stance on aging by not wearing socks if they don't want to.  Actually, approaching ninety means they don't have to do much of anything they don't want, with the possible exception of watching their water retention levels.  Generally, sweatpants and house shoes are their wardrobe standard, even out in polite society.  I can't see myself accepting this stance, however.  At ninety I fully expect to be polishing my shoes and ironing my shirts and slacks, just as I've always done, and picking out a colorful silk tie to go with my suit and French cuffed shirt when appropriate.  It isn't about being better than someone else; it's about taking some pride in yourself, how you look, and in showing respect to others by how you present yourself to them.

You also have a responsibility as a mature adult to present yourself as a good example for others to emulate, especially for the young.  I will not, as I getter older, wear my shirts unbuttoned so my sparse chest hair can breathe.  I will not grow my hair long enough to put the hair around my bald spot in a ponytail, as it looks stupid and has never been a fashion statement.  I certainly will not purchase a PRV as transportation in some faux vain attempt flaunt testosterone which sailed out of port years before; candy apple red Corvettes are for the young.  If you really want to spoil yourself, I don't care how old you are, drive up in a pristine 1929 Bentley you will turn heads, not that you should care at that age.

You are, as they say, only as young as you feel, and I feel so much younger than I am.  My only concern with age comes in the guise of the aches and pains which remind me to make better decisions moving forward, which eateries offer senior discounts, keeping adult diapers off my shopping list, and hoping I can continue pitching a tent.  I have no idea how old I'll be when my physical shell expires, I just have faith that I will live forever which makes when I "shuffle off this mortal coil" of much less importance in my big picture.  

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?"

-- Satchel Paige (1906-1982), baseball pitcher

Paying attention to "time" has the very real possibility preventing you from ever attaining your full potential. Pay more attention to now, to putting one foot in front of the other, and you will be certain of moving forward in life.  Getting older is nothing more than another step forward along your path.  It represents the real opportunity to pass on what you've learned to those younger than you; to teach the good and bad decisions which you have made, and to impart the strength of character it took to overcome obstacles.  This will be the strength of character you evidence by the very fact you dare present yourself as a mentor and an example.

As I stand as this old guy at the abyss, I realize I'm no longer too worried about what mark I leave.  I do what I do because it pleases me to try and help others.  I am no longer apologetic for any perceived wrongs in my past, nor do I stand in judgement for any wrongs perpetrated against me of which I should have seen coming.  People who knowingly wrong others need to find their own forgiveness for treating people poorly.

We have terrorists and traitors masquerading as citizens and politicians, people who make their livelihood fomenting anarchy, racism, fear, and anger, when we should be trying to work and live together.  Medications we rely on to extend our lives are being pulled from market as they're found to be carcinogenic.  I consider the big picture and realize we must rely on ourselves for everything.  We must make righteous decisions concerning our diet, activities, speech, actions, belief and faith.

Having said all of this, I stare into the darkness and see the new enemies at the gate of civilization.  As always, I don the full armor of my beliefs and hone my pencil for the coming attacks.  I put on my game face and, fearlessly, step off the edge into a future which is now.

Those seekers looking for sage philosophy, I can only offer this:  "Now" always is what it is until we change it, and then... it is what it is.  Change, being the only constant in the universe, will occur with or without us.  You should either be properly involved, or shut your pie hole and move out of the way.

Carpe diem!

"Scale back your long hopes to a short period. 

While we speak, time is envious 

and is running away from us. 

Seize the day, 

trusting little in the future."

-- Horace (65 B.C.-8 B.C.), Roman poet

"Follow Me" at The Path (https://congregationforreligioustolerance.blogspot.com/)

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.