Christmas: "The Comprehensive Ocean"

 

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

-- Charles Dickens

As I bought gifts for the "giving tree" at the cigar bar, I thought that this year I could afford it. Then, it occurred to me that, every year past, I could always afford it. "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

I thought back to all the Christmases, before, when I would feed the homeless, buy several gifts for "giving trees," and donate money to the Salvation Army, and those in need, especially those that I worked with.  It did my heart good to know they could enjoy the holiday season. That I was badmouthed as being "supervision" made it all the more enjoyable.  They didn't know.  I felt like a "Secret Santa" during the holidays. "Bah, humbug!" I just smiled.

What people knew, or didn't, made little difference to my giving. It had so little to do with ego and so much to do with doing what was right. My ex-wife also had no idea that this was who I was. For 25 years of marriage, I kept her in the dark.  It wasn't her business, God forbid.  It was mine, and I kept it close to the vest. At 70, I still buy turkeys for the church "soup kitchen" and help out in my own secret ways. But, I am getting tired. Recently I lost my Dad and Mom. They both passed a year or two short of 90. so I figure I have about 20 years left to pass the baton. I plan on passing it on to you folks. Thus, my reason for confession.

Believe it, or not, mankind is your business. The common welfare is your business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, are all your business. The dealings of your particular trade are but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of your business. So, quit your complaining and be happy that you are still alive to enjoy the gift of giving. Any day on this side of the dirt is a marvelous day to celebrate. If you think it isn't, your head is screwed on wonky. While you live, get your head screwed on straight.

I have told those close to me not to buy me gifts.  As always, what they buy me I could well buy myself. I recommend people donate, that hard-earned money, to those in need. Better yet, go out and donate your time, as well, in service to those in need. They will appreciate your spirit. Granted, it is your "Christmas" spirit, but it just might last past the holidays.

“Is goodness just for Sundays and is love just for Christmas? Must the living fragrance of human love be packed away with the tree ornaments once Christmas day is past?”

-- Davis Grubb

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 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 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 in 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