A Life of Uncertainty

“We must content ourselves with the mystery, the absurdity, the contradictions, the hostility, but also the generosity that our environment offers us. It's not much, but it's always better than the deadly, defeatist certainty of the paranoid.”

-- Philip K. Dick (1928-1982), sci-fi author

"How can you be certain in a life of uncertainties?"  This was a question put to me just this morning.  I went into the site to answer it and found the site had, as they often do, changed the question to "Can we be certain about uncertainty?"  Personally, I like the original question, not that there's much difference, I just like addressing the person asking me the question and not someone else's interpretation of the question.  When you put a "go-between" into the mix of communication, communication begins to break down, and this is never a good thing.  Just saying.

I went back and added the above paragraph to the bottom of my answer.  I feel it important that people understand why communication, at times, breaks down.  But I've digressed long enough, so let me answer the original question:  

"How can you be certain in a life of uncertainties?"

You can't. The very question answers itself. You can, however, have faith. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof, like God. Faith gives us hope for no good reason. Faith allows us to learn how to be happy always, even in the face of uncertainty. Faith also allows us to understand that uncertainty means things might go wonky in life, and this is okay. We can be prepared for it and roll with the punches life might deliver.

You can seldom be certain of anything in a universe where change is the only constant. It is what it is, and there little you can do about spilled milk except to clean it up and pour another glass. I have found it much better to embrace this philosophy and learn to be happy always, even when things go south.

Uncertainty injects the possibility of failure in life.  The universe is all about balance and if you have certainty, you must have uncertainty.  It is a matter of balance.  We view failure in life as a negative thing and, in doing so, we bemoan when a failure occurs.  But, failure is the best way we learn.  When we make mistakes we need to go back and review why the outcome wasn't what we hoped for, make corrections, and try again.  This is learning, and this is the entire purpose of our existence.  If we can't enjoy learning, why are we here?

It amazes me how many people view failure in a negative light, yet these same people have no problem happily blowing a paycheck at the casino in the name of having fun.  They hope to win, but they also know the odds are against it.  Well, why can't we all view life in this same light?

It is better to embrace life, the good and the bad, the successes and failures, the balance, and just learn to be happy always.

“Failure exists. Yes! Failure exists. Don’t expect to meet all your expectations in life; however, expect to do everything you must do to realize your expectations and success. These two things success and failure have in common; they both respond to uncertainty and they are triggered by action.”

-- Ernest Agyemang Yeboah, author, teacher, philosopher

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 a chaplain at the regional medical center.