Questioning Skill, Death, Maturity, and Wishes

 

“Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some, they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the same horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men.

Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember and remember everything they don't want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly.”

-- Zora Neale Hurston

When you have an IT skill and want to do something else with that skill, what career path do you recommend?

This is like saying you’re a proctologist, but you want to do something else with the skill of proctology. I mean, you probe people’s sphincters. I’m not sure there is another career, other than the porn industry, that would allow you to probe people’s sphincters. Oh, and I so cleaned this up.

How do you deal with not being invited?

Sucks being me. I get over it. Chances are, I was invited and just don’t remember. I hate getting old.

How can you utilize your lonely moment to be productive?

I’m a lousy multitasker. I can’t listen to music and focus at the same time. The most productive I can be is when I’m alone with no distractions. 

If you could tell a teenager any advice at all, what would it be?

Develop a personal code of moral ethics you can stand by, work hard for what you want, keep “can’t” out of your lexicon, stay out of debt, and make the choice to be truly happy always and in all things.

What are the two shades of perfectionism?

Since perfection doesn’t exist, the shades can’t exist either. But, if we have to have an answer, I’d say “almost” and “not quite” would fit the bill.

“For just one second, look at your life and see how perfect it is. Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there's nothing else. It's here, and you'd better decide to enjoy it or you're going to be miserable wherever you go, for the rest of your life, forever.”

-- Lev Grossman

How do I have eternal salvation?

Do only that which is right, and have undying faith, hope, and love.

Why don't the rich seem to feel the need to draw attention to their wealth when those who dream of being rich want their appearance to suggest it?

IRS, kidnapping, identity theft, leeches, etc., etc.

How can I die without feeling any pain? I don't wanna hear any of that "your life has meaning" bullcrap, not everyone has a chance of getting better. I didn't ask to be born and I shouldn't be forced to live.

If life is so bad that it holds no meaning and you “shouldn’t be forced to live,” then dying in excruciating pain should be of no consequence to you. I understand the intense suffering of some of those unfortunates with debilitating diseases. Life still has meaning for many of them, but they simply can’t handle the physical pain. Those of us who believe the “your life has meaning” bullcrap, will be sad to see you go, however.

Do you agree that nice guys finish last?

Not necessarily. They simply don’t care where they finish.  They belive it's the journey, not the destination, that is important.

How have you gotten past being unable to make enough money?

Yes. I discovered something even more valuable - true happiness! I made a conscious choice to be happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. Sustainable happiness is the true happiness that comes from not caring about all the drama that prevents your happiness.

“Whoever is not in his coffin and the dark grave, let him know he has enough.”

-- Walt Whitman

If you treat a friend to meals and let them stay at your house once a year, but they never reciprocate because they do not have much money, will this eventually cause problems because you're the one always giving and never receiving?

This is very selfless of you. Selfless doesn’t mean you have to open yourself up to be used, however. I wouldn’t worry about it until it happens... if it happens.

Have you forgiven your enemies yet?

Yes, but they were few and far between.

How can life be better if I keep avoiding every temptation?

Temptation is “the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.” It doesn’t have to be wrong or unwise. By definition, it can be right and wise. The unfortunate reality, however, is that most temptations are wrong or unwise, or both. I’ve been to bed with a few of them.

How can I not be worried about something in the future because of past experiences?

If you learned anything during the “past experiences” you have little to worry about. If you didn’t learn anything, maybe it’s time to start.

I’m 19. My mommy never buys anything for me and I wish I was 12 again. How do I get to look after myself?

If at 19 years of age, you’re still calling your mom “mommy” and expecting her to buy you things, I’d assume no one has done a very good job of preparing you for real life. I am loathed to recommend voluntary military service, but it may be the best thing for you to do if you plan on surviving real life.

“You have attained maturity; display it for us, if you please.”

-- MaryJanice Davidson

How do I take revenge on a bank clerk?

Revenge brings bad karma. If the bank clerk did something wrong, bring it up to the bank management, and let bad karma deal with the clerk.

What is a balanced spiritual choice between fulfillment and salvation?

A good moral sense of ethical conduct. Always do what’s right. If it prevents you from attaining fulfillment, work harder or change the rules. Salvation is more concerned about how you handle the lack of fulfillment than the fact you are unfulfilled.

I sometimes want to fire back at people who were hostile to me, but how can I show love, forgiveness, and compassion to the site users who attacked me?

They are probably members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. As such, there’s nothing you can do or say that will placate them. Ignore them and they fade away.

What type of behavior has gotten you into trouble before?

Asking too many questions concerning poorly worded orders. When I was asked by the commander what the problem was, I told him that it amazed me someone so incompetent could rise to the level of supervisor. Could I do a better job? Anyone with good communication skills could do a better job. Be careful what you wish for. When I made rank, the supervisor was moved and I took his place. My mouth getting me into trouble, again, because I have a good sense of ethics.

Reader comment:  Yep, organizations tell people how to behave and what to report and when you do, you get labeled a trouble-maker.

My reply:  Yes, but this “trouble-maker” proceeded to excellent ratings for his section during readiness inspections, and for the rest of his career.

Is self-love really important as people make it out to be?

If you aren’t able to truly love yourself, how will you be able to truly love others?

“The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

-- C.G. Jung

Is something wrong with someone who does not like thrills, taking chances, scary amusement park rides, etc.?

Absolutely! They’re probably going to live much longer than people who skydive, free climb, and the like. How selfish is that?

Are most people’s reasons for living selfishly?

There is no judgment in an afterlife, or they simply don’t care.

If you were to be granted what you wish…who would you like to be like?

Me. I was born who I am for a purpose, so I see no reason to try and improve upon why I am just so I can be someone else.

What can you do to please women?

Whatever they want.

What are your favorite old adages, sayings, or quotes about "old souls"?

“Being an old soul is difficult. Because you are not here for greed, lust, inflations, quantity, comparison, competition, or constant experiences. You are here for peace, tranquility, wisdom, love, and empathy.”

“Live long enough to discover that any day on this side of the dirt is a good day.”

-- F.A. Villari

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