God's Grace (Updated and reposted, yet again, from August 2013)

 

Note to my readers:  The following post is a second updated reprint of a post I did in August 2013.  Things constantly happen in our lives, and, as the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus correctly noted, "The only constant in life is change."

 

My life has gone through many changes in the past few months, physical, emotional, and directional.  Some of the changes were good, some were not so good, but all served a purpose and all were part of my path.  One looks upon change differently when we come to realize all change is part of the greater grace of God.

My journey continues now, as I have endeavored to create another aspect of my reality, here in Mississippi.  My Dad passed in 2019, and my Mom passed a little more than a month ago.  I have made many new friends and I'm continuing the work I have set for myself, as I try to do that which God put me here to do - live!

As the holiday of July 4th gets closer, Americans will celebrate our Declaration of Independence, the declaration of our freedom.  I recommend we take time to reflect on our own life.  You may feel God has forgotten His grace for you, or that it you've misplaced it.  If you live, God has not forgotten you.  Perhaps it would be better to ask if you have forgotten God.  If you feel He misplaced the Grace He gifted you. Perhaps you think God makes mistakes.  

You exist in, and by, the grace of God for a purpose.  Do not wait on God to show you that purpose; it lies along the path you have chosen to travel.  Don't worry about your destination, and do not worry about your age.  It is never too late or too early to find your path and begin the journey.  Simply put the first foot forward and, as it touches down, know in your heart that there is something so very much greater than you, written across your heart and your mind, watching and guiding.  We are all here to help each other. Do selfless good in this life.  

Take the first step.

Did I fall from grace? At what point in my young life?

When, in my youthful exuberance, did I ever fall from favor?

When did I realize an omnipotent power was in play?  That God knew, always knew, like my mother, when I’d done something wrong, this God also knew.

And God let me keep on keeping on, giving me a free pass.
Or did He?  Wasn't I paying for it all the time?

My actions had consequences and affected others.

Though it may have been subtle, ripples occurred in the greater pond.

The cost of wearing blinders is realized at one’s enlightenment.

The damage becomes obvious, and one’s path becomes clearer.

Some find their path early and miss the self-imposed roadblocks.

They moved unobtrusively through their youth, while others are like train wrecks.

I fell somewhere in between, while my train was considering another move.

All of my passengers wondered what in hell was going on.

Did I fall?  I’m not so sure, anymore.

If there is a plan, a destiny, then everything played out accordingly, from my choices.

My high school girlfriend found drugs and later found redemption.

She found a marvelous husband that died tragically and left her with a beautiful child.

In each instance, like this one, I see a truth has evolved, another lesson paid forward, from one to the next. Life events passed from me, from her to her child, lessons we learn, and new pathways.

I didn't fall out of grace.  I fell from grace into grace, again and again.

Yes, mistakes were made.  None were unforgivable.  Not to my God.  It is the fate I made and I continue to make.

We all play and we all learn.  Some learn the hard way until they become aware.

The lessons we learn can provide choices, and a path, through this life and the next.

Once we become aware of our path, we can begin to enjoy the sights.

It truly is not just about the destination, it is more about the journey.

Today, as this life winds down, I look forward to another few miles.  Meeting new friends and sharing.

Today is another glorious day in paradise along this path.  Another day I will enjoy in God's grace.

Take a moment to breathe, and realize that you make your daily life, through your choices.

Then, as you realize this truth, do what God put you here to do -  live!

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”

-- Oscar Wilde

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 twenty-three years of military intelligence, I have come to believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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