Still More Questions

The next in my series of answers to questions put before me.  If you desire to read the other posts, please follow these links:  A Question of Happiness and More Questions

Why hasn’t that big moment taken place yet? I have given and now I have nothing to give anymore.

And still, you wait. Did you give with the expectation of getting something in return? When you learn to give selflessly, this is when you will truly realize your reward.

To what end are you destined?

That will be determined many lifetimes from now. In the meantime, I will try to learn the lessons God puts before me, strive to be happy always, and excel, as much as I can, in this life.

Why is problem-solving a problem for most people?

Who teaches problem-solving? This would require parenting by parents who were taught problem-solving. If people understood problem-solving the jails and prisons would be empty, and most of us would have degrees from prestgious universities.

There are ways to learn it, however. Sports, music, the military, games, and the like. I spent over 20 years in military intelligence, so problem-solving was my forte. At 66 years of age, I now play online games, like Freecell, that require problem-solving skills. Chess would be another great way to learn.

Exactly what horrible things are going on around the world as of June 2020?

Uh... Covid-19 comes to mind.

What would be the biggest human mistake in history that could be easily avoided?

Abortion. The killing of innocence for no good legal or medical reason. We simply make the choice to respect life, especially the innocent who have no voice and no means to protect themselves.

How does one learn to adapt to change better?

First, you need to embrace the philosophy that change is the only universal constant. Everything changes, even if it doesn’t seem so. Understand why the change is happening, and don’t fret over those things of which you have little or no control. If you don’t like the change, you have a choice to let someone know or walk away. Personally, I found the complaining rarely has any effect on the change and just makes it more difficult to adapt. Better to embrace it, help make it a smooth transition, and move forward being happy always.

Have you dramatically changed in some way since the onset of the shelter in place order?

Immediately after the quarantine, I started playing solitaire, MS Freecell, specifically. Since starting, I’ve played 1,680 hands with a win percentage of 100% - no losses as of Level 361. This has garnered me the title of Silver Grandmaster 13, so far. This and a buck still won’t buy me a cup of coffee. Other than this, it’s just like another beautiful vacation in paradise.

Is there anything wrong with hard, even obsessive, work?

Not if it makes you exceedingly happy. If it doesn’t, I’d be looking for a hobby… or a hot companion.

What are some practical applications for “work smarter not harder”?

Don’t carry what you can much better haul more of in a wheelbarrow.

And the same question phrased differently, as was my answer:
What are the best examples of working smart versus working hard?

One is all you need. I've answered this before, but it bears repeating: Using a wheelbarrow to haul more than you can possibly carry so you can finish earlier and go have a cold beer.

What are the best steps to get past indecision?

Weigh all of the pros and cons, make the best choice you can and throw it out there. The best way to get past indecision is to decide. Life is a crapshoot. Take a gamble. 

Do you pick friends that have the same level of social and economical status as you do?

No. How shallow is that? Friends come in all colors, sizes, social and economic status. I have friends because I like them, not because I judge them. I will get into serious arguments with them over religion and politics but, at the end of it all, we have another drink and always part friends. It keeps life interesting.

What is okay now but was unacceptable twenty years ago?

Being rude comes to mind. Not holding the door for someone, helping someone with their bags at a store, and basically being polite, all seems to have gone out the window. The “me” generation is a disappointment. People want others to do for them and they don’t even have the courtesy to say thank you. If it was unacceptable, there was a reason. It was rude.

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 the 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.