The Sage (Updated from 12/29/2015)

Is this all there is? I have lived long and hard upon this Earth, by the grace of God, and am left asking myself, is this all there is? I have fought in three wars, and battled cancer. I have buried my wife, both of my children, and placed my granddaughter in her grave just this morning, God rest her soul. I have outlived all of my friends, too. Every morning I awake once more to a body that hurts, reminding me of age and careless moments in life. I find, each morning, that I am still alive. I find each morning that I am alone. I ask God, each morning, is this all there is?

Is there no more? Is it enough I have lived long and hard upon this Earth, and I have partied like there is no tomorrow? Is it enough I have lived and loved, raised children and grandchildren, and have memories for several more lifetimes because of my family and friends? And, now that I am alone, I must ask, is there no more?

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. When one door closes, another door opens. As this life comes to an end, as this path approaches another fork, there is the mystery of what adventure lies around the next bend.

Have no regrets of the life lived; it has been preparation for all that lies ahead. If you have not lived fully, if you have not found faith, if love has escaped you, again, let not your heart be troubled. Another chance to excel awaits you in the next life and the numerous lives after that. It is really not about the destination, for what awaits us there will always be there, when we eventually arrive. Immerse yourself in the present journey, and let loose the bonds of anticipation.  

Live for today and there will be an eternity of rest tomorrow, or the day after.  With any luck, and God's good grace, tomorrow never comes.

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