Looking for Answers in the Darkness

I met a woman who is lost.  

By lost, I mean she has no direction. She's at a point in her life where she's older, unmarried, living far away from any friends or family that she's ever had, and has no idea why she came here to Maine.

I'm not trying to judge her or anything, but it's obvious that she's reaching out into the darkness for answers that would not really do her any good. She said that she called a psychic.  She said that she has to know if she made the right decision by coming out here. 

When she told me that, I said: "It doesn't matter if you made the right decision, but rather where you go from here." 

What's done is done. It's as simple as that. You can't go back in time, you can't change something that you did in the past. All you can do is try to make the best of what's in front of you. Try to move on. Try to do the right thing from here on out.  Try to make amends, if that's what it takes.  And pray that you do it right the next time.

Going to a psychic is reaching out into the darkness for answers that you don't really need, and possibly aren't meant to have.  Not to mention that the commercial psychics are mostly con artists who are skilled at taking things that you say and exploiting them so that you believe.  It's called psychological manipulation.  If you want to argue this point, then it simply means you're dumb enough to believe it.

It's not that I don't believe that people aren't given gifts like that, but if they really were given a gift like that, then it would be more of a curse than a blessing.  It would be something that they wouldn't really want if they really had it.  And it would be scary, especially if you know what's really out there in the spiritual realm.  

I do know what's out there because I played around with it myself.   I explored various things like witchcraft, sorcery, conjuration back when I was young and stupid.  I once cast a spell, and it came true in the strangest way.  But it never got me anywhere. It only made things worse, because there is a price for all of that. 

I have personally experienced glimpses. I have experienced them from both sides. I've reached into the darkness, in my past. I played around with magic. 

Not only that but real premonitions, revelations whatever you want to call them are not something that they can simply call for the minute they get you on the phone.  But rather, it's something that comes to you. It's not something that you can control, but rather something that just happens.  It's not something that you can learn to do, or develop your skills, but rather you're given glimpses.  Maybe you hear something.  Maybe you get a private revelation.

Fortunately for me, I was shown the light, meaning the light of Christ, the light of God.  Occasionally he gives me some of those glimpses. They are quite powerful.  The difference is it brings ne closer to him.  When God gives you a glimpse like that, you increase in faith, hope, and love.  You feel like you have found your way.  

Then no matter what happens, he's there with you. It's as simple as that.

Forgotten

We will ultimately be forgotten by future generations.  Everything we have or do will be forgotten.  Even if we leave something behind that lasts forever, who we are, what we looked like, our struggles, joys, feelings, life, will ultimately be gone and forgotten.

I know I'm generalizing and have no educated expertise other than my own thoughts after reading the wisdom books of the Holy Bible.  

It's crazy to think that everything we do, everything we have accumulated in our lives will eventually amount to nothing as much of it will be gone, recycled, or passed onto someone else who didn't work for it.  I think this happens a lot more today.  We live in a throw away culture.  We live in a world that consumes goods at an astronomical rate.  

Then we use it up and move on to the next thing.  

What interesting creatures we are, eh?

Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.

—St. Padre Pio

The Smoking Spot

I had a humbling experience yesterday.  I, for a moment, got to experience the way some people live.  

I went to see an old friend for the first time in years.  He has a lot of health problems.  He always has.  They have gotten worse over the years.  It was sad to see.  I need to pray for him.  He is in a weakened state.  

My friend has been living in a large building in South Portland Maine, with apartments that are subsidized for the elderly and disabled.  This place has become somewhat of a community.  Most of the people are unable to work but are able to live independently in their own flats.  They don't really go anywhere.  Maybe the grocery store.  Maybe the doctor.  Maybe to church.  

With that, his life has fallen into a repetitive pattern.  In other words, he has adopted this lifestyle which is common in these types of places.  

The place has a strict no smoking rule.  There is no smoking allowed on the premises, no smoking allowed in the apartments, so those who do smoke have to go outside onto a little side street, which has become a sort of community gathering spot for the smokers of "whatever" who live in the building.  

While out there, these people have no protection from the elements.  There are no benches to sit on.  There are no ashtrays set up.  For those who have cars, these cars have become their smoking rooms.  It's a luxury not shared by all who live in the building.  They sit smoking while listening to the radio or watching Tic Tok on their smartphones.  

One guy was smoking what was left of a big old stogey, another sat in his car smoking a joint.  Marijuana is legal in Maine, so it has become part of the way of life there.  You're not supposed to smoke weed in a car, but they do.  A couple more people sat there in their wheelchairs on the side of the road smoking their cigarettes.  This is what these people do all day.  They sit in their apartments until it's time to go have a smoke.  Then they go out in the freezing cold.  Then go back in.  The lucky ones who have their cars at least have protection from the elements.  Most don't.  

I quit smoking years ago, but even when I did, I never had to do anything like that.  It's just ridiculous to me.  This is really the way of life for some.  They'll sit in their apartments watching something on TV, then go outside to have a smoke.  Then they do it all over again, and again and again.  It goes on all day.  

It made me realize how good I have it.  It makes me see how lucky I really am.  My life could be so much worse, so much more mundane.  Sure, it could be better.  But I have what I need.  I have my health.  I have my stability.  I have opportunities.  I have a family.  I have my strength (for the most part).  I have options.  

Still, I spend too much time focusing on what I don't have, and thinking I'd be happy if I did.  Imagine that.  

So let that be a lesson in gratitude for you.  Because if your life at least has a little spice in it, you got it good. 

How to Be a Wise Man in 12 Easy Steps

 This article was inspired by my personal reading of the Book of Proverbs and is based on advice taken from the first nine chapters of the book.  This part of the book is written as if from a father to a son and it gives a good foundation on how we should live our lives how to act in our relationships with others.

The Book of Proverbs is God's instructions to us on how to live wisely, or rather how the wise man should develop his character, live his life and conduct his affairs.  It also talks a lot about what temptations we should avoid so that we can keep our slates clean, walk the straight and narrow path, and live a peaceful and joyful life in the light of God.  

Wisdom is the art of living wisely.  It is a Grace given to us by God.  I have picked out twelve of my favorite little snippets of wisdom to help you along your journey down the straight and narrow path.  So, if you want to live the good life of a wise man, then read on.

Step #1: Listen to Your Parents 

Your parents are your first teachers.  They want what’s best for you.  They try to teach you how to live, how to prosper, and how to survive in the crazy world.  They support you through your education while growing up, and make sure you are fed and healthy.

We may not like it at the time, but when they discipline us as children it really is for our own good.  It is a parents job to teach their kids how to behave.  If your parents are loving, honest and faithful to each other, then they are good teachers to model your life after.

Wisdom is something you learn from those who came before you.  And it starts with your mom and dad.

Step #2: Love God and Keep His Commandments

The wise man stays faithful to God and keeps his commandments.  If he takes this to heart, he will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.  It will keep your path straight and keep you out of trouble.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.  If you don’t keep God’s commandments you will live in darkness, trying to hide from his light, trying to hide your deeds.  You will lie to cover your tracks.  

If you do keep his commandments, you can live in the light with nothing to hide.

Step #3: Avoid Doing Anything Evil

If somebody tries to get you to get involved with some evil act, some crazy scheme such as robbery, beating somebody, running some scam, taking advantage of somebody or something along that line, don’t do it.  While you might enjoy a few short term rewards and riches, eventually it will catch up to you.  You will have to lie and hide from the light because of your actions.  If you are caught, you will be punished.

Turn away from evil.  Avoid evil.  Fear the Lord and hate evil and you will be rewarded.  You will be able to live in peace and prosperity without fear of retribution or justice.

Eventually evil deeds will catch up to you.  The long arm of the law will eventually find you.  When you get caught you will regret your actions.  You will say, I should have known better.  You will cry for mercy but it’s too late.  Now you will pay the price.



Step #4: Be Honest

Be honest in all of your dealings.  Act fairly in all of your proceedings with others.  Speak the truth always.  Don’t falsely accuse anybody of something they didn’t do.  Don’t cheat anybody.  Don’t lie.  Don’t try to deceive.  Don’t tip the scales to your advantage so to speak. 

Staying honest is staying true to yourself and true to God.  Others won’t be able to accuse you of anything.  You won’t have anything to hide. 

Step #5: Exercise Good Judgement

In order to exercise good judgement, you will need to understand everything that you get yourself into, everything you do or every decision you make.  If you do this, you will be able to make good decisions that keep you honest and fair, while not getting involved in anything evil.  This will be based on knowledge and understanding.  

Maintain discretion always.  Don't just jump on a "great opportunity," Gain understanding and you will know the right thing to do in every situation.  Be shrewd, judging people and situations carefully.

Step #6: Learn from Your Mistakes

Nobody is perfect.  If you make a mistake, own it, do what you can to fix it, and learn from it.  If you learn from your mistakes, you will be wiser.  You will be less likely to make them again in the future.

A mistake is God’s way of making us stop and reconsider what we are doing or what we have done.  Don’t reject God’s discipline, that is designed to keep you on the straight and narrow path.  You will stray every now and then, but you will eventually learn from your mistakes as well.  Then you can move forward.



Step #7: Be Faithful to Your Own

Don’t cheat on your spouse or have an affair with the spouse of another.  Love and stay true to your own.  You will be happier.  You will have nothing to hide. 

Staying faithful and true to your own will keep you blameless.  Cheating with another woman or the wife of another will get you into trouble.  You will try to hide it and keep it in the dark.  She may be sweet, and it could be fun for a moment, but she will lead you straight to hell.

A good woman is a blessing.  A forbidden woman will be the downfall of man.

Step #8: Be Generous and Grateful

Honor God with your first fruits and more will be given to you.  If your neighbor is in need and you can help them, do so.  Give and to you will be given.

Not only will whatever you give come back to you, it will do so in plenty.  So be grateful for all of your blessings then more will come your way.  

 

Step #9: Fulfill Your Obligations

Keep your promises, then you won’t disappoint others.  Pay your bills and your lights won’t get shut off.  If you sign a contract, fulfil your obligation, then you will gain a good reputation for doing business.  

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.  Don’t sign contracts you can’t fulfil.  Don't run up credit card bills that you can't pay.  And if you do, then make sure you take care of it.

 

Step #10: Prepare for the future

Store up your provisions for the future.  Make sure you have enough to get through the winter.  Make sure you have enough saved away so that you can weather the storms of life, make it through the tough times, or handle an emergency.

Occasionally a crisis will happen in your life.  You never know when it will happen.  So do your best to prepare for it.

 

Step #11: Work Hard

Don’t’ be lazy.  If you sit around sleeping during the time of the harvest, you won’t be able to make it through the winter.  If you blow off mowing your lawn, it will be that much harder to do when the grass is that much taller.  You will lose out on opportunities.

If you work hard, do your best, and take care of your business, you will have an easier life.

 

Step #12: Learn to recognize the good things in life

We spend too much time focusing on the negative.  This causes stress, anger and sadness.  If we can learn to see the beauty of it all, then we can live in peace and tranquility.

Take the time to smell the roses.  Admire and appreciate a great piece of art.  Open your heart to all that is good, and you will see that life can be full of joy.

 

Conclusion

Being a wise man is not about knowing everything.  It is about living wisely in a crazy world that has been tainted by evil, greed, hatred and jealousy.  It is about learning to see the beauty in the the world and experiencing the love of God and others. 

The wise man is able to live in the light of his deeds.  His life is full of peace and joy.  He makes friends rather than enemies, and he always understands what he gets himself into.  He doesn't get involved in the day-to-day affairs of the foolish.  He doesn't run his mouth or condemn others or talk about that which he has no understanding of.  He avoids their wicked schemes and stays true to his own.  He has nothing to hide and can therefore live in peace and security.

Being a wise man, gaining wisdom is something that you have to work for.