The Good We Do (Updated from 5/16/14)

 

Curmudgeon: 

"A crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man."

Some stuff off my chest...

People who know me will tell you how virtually happy I am all the time.  One can tell this just by looking at me.  It's that obvious.  I have been humbled many times by people telling me how much they either appreciate what I write, how much I have guided them, and, to my embarrassing discomfort, how fascinating they think I am.  I find that fascinating.  

Some, who have not met me in person, have even commented... what an attractive man I am.  What?  I'm sorry, but I just don't see any of it.  Handsome, I might concede with some arm twisting.  They obviously haven't seen me when I'm not sucking my beer gut in.  Then again, they might have had one drink too many, which dulls the sense of sight.  Some women suffer from this malady more than they'd admit.    As for those who praise my work, their response to my heartfelt denial of said praise is for them to prove they actually read my posts by throwing my own words back at me, "I am my own worst critic." Out of the mouths of "babes" (mature women).

I do take criticism from others very well. It's because I usually just don't give a shit.  I don't take compliments well; I just don't see it.  I tried explaining to one of my readers that, most of the time, I'm not really cognizant of what I'm writing half of that time, and when I finish a post, I tell myself, "Huh, I did not know that."  What I write comes from "I know not where." It gets put in my "WTF" file until I figure out what in God's good name I was thinking.

Recently, a cherished reader critiqued one of my posts as "gibberish."  Actually, in my invitation for folks to read that particular offering, I had already stated it was a "bit of nonsense." So, this means I actually beat her to the critique before the post was even published.  She always reads my posts, and I was flattered that we both felt it was wanting.

So, why did I post it?  Other than to make sure people are paying attention.  I don't think one should just post the good stuff.  I'm, in no way, perfect. I have no qualms about letting people see that some of my stuff just sucks.  If it's in my head, it's coming out, good or bad.  Those who know me also know I have no filter. Bad usually happens when I detour to my favorite meditative place.  My "happy" place.  The "Cusp of Infinity."  I struggle to make any sense of what I see or think there, so it should be no surprise that any post based on a visit there would be concerning. 

I am happy at the end of the day when I have managed no harm or offense.  I am humbled by the accolades and gratitude I garner for the little good I do and the guidance I can impart.  I do not live for the limelight.  I have spent one long career in Intelligence that required me to shy away from that very thing.  I try to lead a simple, honest, and humble life.  If I desired public spectacle, you would find me behind a pulpit, holy scripture raised high like a mighty sword or held out in front like a protective shield.  I am not one to "cry havoc" on society or let "slip the dogs of war."  You will not hear me preach the fear of hell and damnation, the lack of tolerance and understanding of an "all-knowing" and vengeful God.  

Am I perfect?  Oh, hell no.  Reality check: I'm a self-admitted hypocrite and sinner.  But, if you ask me a question, my answer will let you know how I see it.  If you need guidance, I will try to give you the best advice I have to offer. You may not like what I tell you, but that will be an additional issue for you to concern yourself with.

Perfect?  Who among us professes to be perfect?  Even Jesus kept trying to tell everyone he was just a man.  Are we any better than Jesus?  I think not, and if you do, I'd say you're a self-involved, delusional dumbass.  Romans 3:10-12 states, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.  All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”  

Well, maybe a few.

Will all the compliments and prayers from so many, and all of my blogging and posting, guarantee me a place in heaven? No, and why should it? My peace has to be made with God, "mano y deity." I don't see a "heavenly" paradise in my future. This is not a bad thing. I have my paradise right here on Earth. I have been put on a path and am excited to see where my journey takes me. Yes, I think the destination is important. But is it more important than the journey I take to get there? Everything will be presented at God's pleasure and in due time.  I have faith in this.

I know I am on a path that may transit many lives. I know that "time" is all in how you define it. I know reality is not about the destination but, rather, about the beautiful journey I take; the laughing and crying, the hard work and good times, the people I meet, and the family and friends I enjoy along the way. It is about learning, learning to help, and to love.  I think it's about searching for God's truth, as it pertains to each of us.

Our very existence is about the good we do.

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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions 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.

I fervently 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 offered. After over twenty years of military intelligence, I believe that 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier, and world-renowned, Western 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 a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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