There are so many things I thought I would have accomplished by this point in my life, and I often wonder why they were set aside. It never takes me too long to realize that being a dad is a big priority for me, and apparently more of a priority than writing that book, or working to get a teaching gig at a university part-time.

Tonight I set a few things aside to go with Amanda and Ben to the bookstore and grocery. Sure, I spent a good piece of time looking through the “Religion” section to find books to continue our clergy training, but after that was done I spent quite a bit more time with my head under a blanket with Ben in his shopping cart laughing and giggling while people walked by clearly thinking we were lunatics. I recommend it, because it is really good work if you can get it. AND, it really is much better than theology any day.

In fact, despite an undergrad in Religion, and masters and doctoral degrees too, I have learned that all the intellect and theory in the world can never replace our call to be with and care for people. And though I am pretty smart, I believe I became a better priest and person when I set aside the notion that all that knowledge was more important than doing the right thing (which is often pretty simple.)

Sadly, I spent a lot of years listening to clergy, and many times they were bishops, intellectually attempting to justify what I knew in my heart was sinful. If education is supposed to make you smarter, many of them should ask for their money back! I don’t follow them anymore!! But sadly many people still follow this nonsense because they listen to these theological dissertations that don’t sit well even in their own hearts. They stay with people who say “well that isn’t us,” yet who remain under the very authority they claim to not be a part of. I am no rocket scientist, but if you are in bed with someone you are in bed with them, you cannot deny it. It doesn’t fool the simplest soul, why do they think they can fool the Lord. A lot is at stake. A love for a building, or to follow people making immoral choices, is pretty risky if you ask me…..but maybe I am just not smart enough to know!

Anyway, all this is to say life matters and our choices do as well. Jesus does accept us for who we are, but then as the Bible tells us we are called to live from that point as “new creations.” We were never promised that it would be easy. In fact, being a Christian is often hard, and their is often a cost for making the right choice. But we ought to remember that Jesus Himself has led the way for us, and He has paid a price higher than we ever will. Choose that good road, that road less traveled, and see what the Lord has in store for you!

Life is good my friends…..live it! Goodnight and God Bless!

Fr. Tom+