Posted on 01/02/2010 9:34:10 PM PST by B-Chan
Charles Darwin once famously wrote of his gradual loss of ability to enjoy music or any of the other simple joys of life, post-Theory; and I must say that at times I understand what he meant. For entirely different reasons (chemical, not spiritual), I, too, often feel incapable of discerning the bright joys of quotidian life as I used to. Yet even though the smell of life's roses goes sometimes undetected by my nose, I have faith that roses still smell sweet — and that faith is enough.
So it was in 2009. Though in many ways a cherry pit of a year, it did have its flavorful moments -- some of which I was able to appreciate, others which I accepted as flavorful even though I could not taste them. In either case, I'm thankful to God that I was there to experience both.
[...]
And what of the future? 2010 has the potential to be a true breakthrough year. My policies for the coming twelve months reflect the lessons learned.
First, I intend to follow a strict STFU policy when it comes to my personal views -- keeping them for my work (both written and drawn) and off the useless sinkhole that is the Web. I once thought that a Socratic approach -- antagonizing people in an attempt to force them to face the contradictions in their own thinking -- was a worthwhile policy; I have since learned better. I'm no Socrates and never will be, and most people refuse to accept anything as truth unless it is in accord with with what they want to be true. As a result, my posting to [websites] will dwindle down to near-nil; I intend from now on to direct my inner fire and outward efforts toward attainable ends, rather than at targets I can never hit. By doing so, I hope to place my passion and intellect (what there is of it) in more effective service to the truth.
Second, I intend to continue writing -- both in terms of expanding my business as a writer-for-hire and writing for publication. I am currently beginning work on a new nonfiction book proposal, and I intend to write a novel this year as well. By doing this, I hope to increase both my income and the satisfaction I derive from earning it.
Third, I have decided to continue my education in 2010...
Fourth: I have got to take better care of my health in 2010...
Fifth, I'm going to read more, and read better, in 2010. This is hardly a sacrifice, but it does entail the curtailing of "junk reading" -- mostly on the Web -- in favor of reading more "nutritious" fare. By this, I hope to improve my mind and nourish my spirit, thereby becoming better suited to my task of being a husband and father.
Most important of all: I am going to resume the course of my spiritual growth in 2010 as well. I have slipped badly in my practice as a Catholic, and the suffering which has resulted is too much to bear. My only hope for becoming capable of truly loving others (and myself) is immersing myself in the Sacraments and Mysteries of the Church. This I firmly intend.
And so one year ends, and another begins. I look forward to this year as a time of challenges to be met and frontiers to be crossed, and hope that by my efforts and the grace of God that I may become less of an isolated, self-focused human being and more of a loving, God-and-fellow-man-directed human person.
To this end I ask for your prayers and your support.
I offer all of you our prayerful best wishes for Anno Domini 2010.
I'm not going to be posting to FR much from now on. I think I've said all that I have to say in this forum. I'll drop in from time to time with a comment if I think it'll contribute to the conversation, but for the most part I'm going to fade into the background. The time for talk is pretty much over, anyway.
May God bless you all in 2010.
The time for talk is pretty much over, anyway.
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What’s that mean?
Not quite an opus but close. See you in the funny papers, B-Chan. You have been around here as long as I have. I wish you well. God bless you.
Drop me a ping when you peek in, OK?
I hate to see ya go. Myself, I’m going to try to do my best to get more involved with the Tea Parties as much as I can.
I’m not going anywhere... just fading into the background.
I’ve been faded for about two years now. But like you, I haven’t gone anywhere. I’m just keeping my powder dry until we see signs of emerging leadership.
I thought from your title you were referring to ET contact.
Ah well . . . if you have interest in some bits of new info on the topic:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2419857/posts?page=2
God be with you . . . may HE draw you ever closer to HIMSELF in the coming year.
Blessings,
I certainly wish you well and especially support your spiritual goals. May God bless you in 2010.
Have you considered anaerobic exercize? You can achive great health with anaerobic exercize, and you can get quick results too.
Best of luck!
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