Questioning Our Priorities?

“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.”

-- Stephen R. Covey

Why should we sacrifice our priorities in life?

I can’t think of a reason unless there is a higher “priority.” We set the priorities in our life, others may think they have that control but, ultimately, it is up to us to accept the priority, therefore, we are responsible for making the choice, the decision, to accept or not.

At what age were you most comfortable and/or happy?

I am 67 years old. Memory escapes me as to when it began. Probably in 2000, after my divorce was final.

How will you convey a message and allure a fixed-minded person to listen to your thoughts?

At 67 years of age, retired three times, with children and grandchildren, I can’t think of a reason I should waste my breath conveying a message to a “fix-minded” person who doesn’t want to listen to it. I have better things to do than “allure” anyone but a beautiful woman, and even then…

“...most people in the world don't really use their brains to think. And people who don't think are the ones who don't listen to others.”

-- Haruki Murakami

If someone is being mean to me or making me feel bad, is it always my fault?

No, but it might always be your choice… to hang around people who treat you so. Make better choices and strive to be happy always.

Why do I like seeing my boyfriend sad? I like to see him down and jealous. It makes me feel good. When he’s sad/upset because of me it makes me feel better and nice.

Maybe, you’re a horrible person. Something in your life must have made you choose this path. Psychologically, this isn’t good for you or those around you, especially your poor boyfriend, your victim.

If someone was expressing their feelings to you and then, on the way, end up crying and saying, "I don't know why I'm crying while telling you this," how would you react or feel?

One would have to conclude the subject they're imparting is very emotional for them and they would seem to have chosen you, for whatever reason, to confide in. You have a choice to make, to extricate yourself from the situation, showing them they were wrong choosing you, or lend a friendly ear and, if asked, give some sage advice and try and make them feel better.  For me, I hate inviting drama into my life but, if they are important to me I will make a better choice.

“A true friend is someone who never gets tired listening to your pointless drama over and over again.”

-- Lauren Conrad

Why does it seem that I will miss her for the rest of my life?

Because you probably will. I’m 67, and I have many people I have loved, still love, and miss not having in my life to this day. A few of them are from my high school years. The fact that we miss people, especially those we love, is evidence that we wade in the emotionally deep end of the pool. This can be a good thing. Revel in your memories. I have reconnected with a few people I thought I’d never talk to again. A good “miracle of technology,” to be able to find old friends and catch up.

What should I do tomorrow for my 16th birthday?

Wake up and thank God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in life. Lucky you! You made it to 16. Any day you find yourself on this side of the dirt, is a good day. Make the most of it.

How can I have faith in a cynical world?

Faith is a choice to believe in something for which there is little or no proof. If you don’t have faith, how can anyone else? People have willingly died for their faith in dire circumstances. So, what is a little cynicism to a person of strong faith? Not much. Don’t concern yourself with things for which you have little or no control. Be more concerned with your own faith. Be the light in the darkness for others to rally around, or find a faith of their own.  Strive to be happy always!

"There is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy - anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage."

-- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

What is your message to those children who don't care about their parents?

First of all, I have to say that I feel very sad for them, the children. Their parents must have done something horrible to deserve to be shunned by their own children. Without their parents, they would not have a life. Without their parents, they would not be able to choose not care about them. Without their parents, they would have nothing, be nothing. Without their parents, they would not exist to try and make this world a better place. 

To not care about someone, especially family, is an expression of selfishness that will follow them through life. You can not like them for a multitude of reasons. You can hate them. But, somewhere, deep inside of you, you must find a reason to care that you are here, that you exist. Someone, whether intentionally or not, gifted you with life, and you don’t care? Find a reason to care. Make a better, selfless, choice.

Why do I ignore my best friends that I love a lot?

Don’t, not if you truly love them a lot. Why would you want to? More importantly, if they're your best friends, why would they want you to?

Based on the three determinants of morality (act itself, object chosen, circumstances), how will you apply it to your personal life?

Leave it to the Catholics to leave out the most important factor - you. The only way those three have any meaning is if you’re a bad person with no good moral code. The first of four should be, “Are you a good, moral, person?” This, alone, should answer any questions concerning the other three factors. This is the kind of drivel that turned me from Catholicism. Just be a good person and you won't have to worry about this.

“In the West, of course, God has been dead for some time. What remains is religion as social belief, which is at best a moral code and at worst social etiquette.”

-- John Ralston Saul

If you had the opportunity to leave the universe once in your lifetime, would you take it? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Just to see what is out there would be reason enough. But, we’ll all have this chance, in the end. Why rush it?

Should I be mad that my boyfriend isn’t gonna spend Valentine’s Day with me? I haven’t felt special in and we've been together for almost 5 months. It seems like I’m the one who always plans and not him.

Dwell on that for a while. It will come to you.

Is it normal for a woman to call her male partner "unattractive", "unintelligent", and "a loser" every few days?

My only question is why the “male partner” is still hanging around? Is he a submissive glutton for punishment?

"No matter how badly people treat you, never drop to their level, just know you're better and walk away."

-- Unknown

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.