Questioning Desires, Wants, and Waiting

 

“To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.”

-- Federico García Lorca

Regarding the situation in which the average person finds themselves today, what percentage of this is sheer luck, and what percent is the result of choices they made?

Well, luck is also a result of a choice we make. We choose to wait and see what happens. We choose to roll the dice or take two cards instead of three. We choose to rely on luck or, more often, blame luck for what happened when we chose it. No matter how we try to spin this, it all comes back to a choice we make.

If you found out you would have to spend the rest of your life mainly in a hospital, what changes would you make to maximize the times when you weren’t in hospital?

That would depend on medical limitations.

How do I find out what I really want and what drives desire?

For me, it’s never a “what” that drives my wants and desires.

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

-- C. S. Lewis

Why do I hate thinking of quitting my job because of jealousy?

Why are you jealous, in the first place. Is it solving anything? I’d say not. You’re hating. You’re hating thinking. Specifically, you’re hating thinking about quitting your job. All of this over jealousy that’s solving nothing, but is creating misery in your life. Personally, I’d strive to be less jealous and work on being happy always, regardless of petty jealousies. This happiness will piss someone off, and that’s always fun.

What will you tell your past self?

Invest heavily in Microsoft, or don’t get married. It’s a toss-up. Probably, don’t get married and then invest heavily in Microsoft.

When women get together, why do they only talk about men and relationships?

Yep. It’s the same thing men do, only about women.

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”

-- Socrates

I am 26. I haven't had a boyfriend. I am still single. My feelings always wait for someone. Why?

You’re smart. Have fun for a few more years. If you’re not having fun, this might explain it.

Honest response. Do you have everything figured out?

Everything but after death.

How has virtue helped make you a better person?

Yes, but only because it’s a work in neverending progress. The moment I stop working on “virtue” everything I am will go to hell in a handbasket.

“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."

-- Winston S. Churchill

Were you born for challenges?

I was born on earth. This is kind of a gimme.

What situation guarantees that you are the master of your own life?

Situation? I’m the master of my own life because it’s my life, not because of any situation. The moment I give up making the choices in my own life, I will have given up life itself.

What life hurdles guarantee you are the master of your own life?

Hurdles? I just answered the same question about a “situation.” The answer is the same. I’m the master of my own life because it’s my life, not because of any situation or hurdles. The moment I give up making the choices in my own life, I will have given up life itself.

“You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself...the height of a man's success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. ...And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.”

-- Leonardo da Vinci

How can I deal with people who don’t change?

Don’t, they’re not going to change.

What do you think is holding people back from being the person you want to be?

You’ve got me. I’m already the person I want to be, so maybe they’re just afraid of being labeled as jealous or unoriginal.

How do I tell the person I love that I’m sorry for trippin and it was none of my business?

Say, “I’m sorry for trippin, and it was none of my business,” then, go buy chocolate. 

“Chocolate says "I'm sorry" so much better than words.”

-- Rachel Vincent

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 volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com