Today I had to travel for work and drive six hours round trip. Rather than scan the radio stations to make the trip faster,

I decided to try something new. I turned off the radio and while I had to make a couple of calls for work, most of my time

was spent in silence. I found myself at times singing, or talking to myself to break the silence….Funny how even when the

conversation is with ourselves, or with God, we are still unconciously affected by silence. :)

During my day I also had a conversation with someone regarding racial stereotypes and my struggles to break free from racists

viewpoints (see earlier posts on this issue for reference). Also during my day I had a conversation about universal health

care and the ideal that the only reason it is attached to one’s employment is that the unions used it as a carrot to get

people to join them. Without that time and history, healthcare would be still treated like car insurance and found in a more

free market manner. Also add that when I returned home I watched “secret millionaire” with my wife and older children.

Okay, now see if you can keep up….

I’m very frustrated with people right now.

On my way to my appointment, and on the way home, I had to deal with an extremely inconsiderate driver. Let me paint the

picture…He drives a late 90s Crown Vic with like 25″ wheels. The car is in bad shape and the rims are the nicest thing on

it. He punches it and accelerates, tailgates, changes lanes irradically, and is basically incapable of being a part of the

human population.

Judging by the cars exit, and location within the city, this person is exactly the stereotype I am trying to remove from my mind and heart. I don’t know him, don’t know if he has a family, don’t know what his job is, don’t know his faith, and don’t know his heart. But I found myself thinking about how five minutes alone in a padded room with me would change his ways…
Many of us think we are “right” when we think this way. I often have discussions with people who disagree with me that Rush Lumbaugh and Howard Stern are exactly alike. Most of the time their disagreement with me is becuase they personally agree with one or the other…. Of course both of them propogandize the truth simply to get ratings and make more money. Neither has the good of their listeners as their primary focus.

This is the same thing. I behaved the same. I believe I can tell this person what for and he’ll change his beliefs. As if I have some ability to convert??? As if I am God…

The other day in a group dicussion someone said that we as believers go to God, obtain Grace, and pass it on to others. While I respect this person, and I didn’t chastize him for the statement at the time, it’s basically…um… 1 gazillion percent incorrect. People cannot impart what we do not possess. Grace, is God’s and is a free gift to us individually and as a Church.

So you are now asking me to get to the point. Okay already.

What is my change of tune: Well I’m sorry for thinking and judging that person the way I did. I’m sorry for possessing stereotypes that tear down the body of Christ rather than build it up. And Lord, I’m sorry for not doing more to help others move past their stereotypes as well.

What is my conversion to conciense.

“Not everything that can be counted counts; not everything that counts can be counted.” - St. Augustine.

I am reading an article in the latest issue of Columbia, the Knights of Columbus magazine. This quote has stuck with me all evening.

How often we compare ourselves to others in matters of faith. Do you ever envy others for their “holiness” or their prayer life? Funny how we count ourselves in matters that are not quantifiable.

I’m struck tonight on the wisdom of St. Augistine’s quote and how well it relates to Paul’s writing and exhortation for us to be in the world but not of it. While we can count our money and other worldly success, should we? Is it important?

Tonight I’m praying that I have the clarity to seek the Truth of what must be counted and to orient my life accordingly. As the Advent prayer states:

Lord grant us the clarity to see the way to walk, the Truth to speak, and the life to live for Him, our Lord Jesus Christ.