Recently a friend with whom I often argue religion and philosophy told me he was sick of hearing about what I DON'T believe--all the Christianity I've discarded, all the myths I've de-bunked...He wanted to know what I actually do believe, if anything...
He asked what governs my actions, informs my decisions and spurs me to action? What keeps me from giving into temptations that are detrimental to the life I want?
Well, I don't believe in much--it's too much of a burden on my decision-making process to believe too much these days, I want to keep it light. But I do know I have taken a couple leaps of faith in the past year or two, so I decided I should answer that question, if just for myself.
It took a bit of work to figure it out but I was able to follow my thoughts and nail down a couple of things...
I can't even relate how good it felt to see I do have my own faith. I've done the work to find it and I know it's my own. For the first time in a long time I'm not totally frustrated not knowing how things work.
I think I do know how life works...at least for me, and it feels amazing...
Take it with a grain of salt though...it might only work for me.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
"Back in the USAF...."
Our year out of the Air Force is ending. Soon we will be right back in the center of fighter-pilot life, probably deeper than ever before, immersed in Air Force culture.
I’ve been kind of worried about it because I’ve so enjoyed a regular life here…I’ve only seen Kevin in uniform a few times, gone to few military events, and we have not built our life around a flying schedule….
Life has been “normal,” and has had a nice, even pace.
Well the USAF Thunderbirds were in town this weekend, and on Saturday night one of them coaxed me out of my planned evening of wine and a movie alone at home (Kevin is out of town), to the Irish pub down the street where they were all meeting. I told myself I’d have a quick Guinness, see them all, and get back home and in bed at a reasonable hour. As soon as I walked in I knew that wasn’t going to happen….
Say what you want about the Air Force, we do know how to take care of our own. Those guys were up out of their seats, loving me up in two seconds. We shut the place down chatting about their careers, wives, babies, my life, our plans and, of course, catching up on gossip. I got some care, gave a little, and had some real conversation.
It was great, and felt a little like home, a little like family, and well, I needed it.
I needed it to remind myself that along with all the stuff I’ll have to deal with in the next assignment, the stuff I’ve been worried about, there’s a whole bunch of stuff that I’ll want to deal with, that I’ll enjoy. Without a doubt I will get to once again be a part of a really great circle of people.
It also reminded me how I got through our own difficult Thunderbird assignment…by connecting easily and often with these friends who came through town who get the lifestyle, who know it can be difficult, and know it's standard to take care of each other. We always at least have that in common....
So…I will enjoy the next month here, absolutely savor our five weeks on the beach in Florida, and then on the drive west look forward to knowing and caring for all those who will also know and care for me, because that's a given.
It will be okay. It might even be more than okay…it might be a really great time.
I’ve been kind of worried about it because I’ve so enjoyed a regular life here…I’ve only seen Kevin in uniform a few times, gone to few military events, and we have not built our life around a flying schedule….
Life has been “normal,” and has had a nice, even pace.
Well the USAF Thunderbirds were in town this weekend, and on Saturday night one of them coaxed me out of my planned evening of wine and a movie alone at home (Kevin is out of town), to the Irish pub down the street where they were all meeting. I told myself I’d have a quick Guinness, see them all, and get back home and in bed at a reasonable hour. As soon as I walked in I knew that wasn’t going to happen….
Say what you want about the Air Force, we do know how to take care of our own. Those guys were up out of their seats, loving me up in two seconds. We shut the place down chatting about their careers, wives, babies, my life, our plans and, of course, catching up on gossip. I got some care, gave a little, and had some real conversation.
It was great, and felt a little like home, a little like family, and well, I needed it.
I needed it to remind myself that along with all the stuff I’ll have to deal with in the next assignment, the stuff I’ve been worried about, there’s a whole bunch of stuff that I’ll want to deal with, that I’ll enjoy. Without a doubt I will get to once again be a part of a really great circle of people.
It also reminded me how I got through our own difficult Thunderbird assignment…by connecting easily and often with these friends who came through town who get the lifestyle, who know it can be difficult, and know it's standard to take care of each other. We always at least have that in common....
So…I will enjoy the next month here, absolutely savor our five weeks on the beach in Florida, and then on the drive west look forward to knowing and caring for all those who will also know and care for me, because that's a given.
It will be okay. It might even be more than okay…it might be a really great time.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
DC Quotes
Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought in clear form.
Albert Einstein
Thomas Jefferson
Albert Einstein
- You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
- Malcolm X
Thomas Jefferson
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