I don't actually believe in heaven and hell, but if there is a heaven, I feel pretty certain I won't go there.
I don't expect I'll end up in hell, either.
A nice uncomfortable seat in purgatory will be mine.
Of course, I'm already in purgatory.
Evidence:
Today, as the kids and I were walking back to our car downtown, a man right outside of a Subway asked for money so he could get something to eat.
I shook my head no, and as I walked along I was reminded by my conscience that when I do (or not do) unto others, I do unto Jesus. I told D and the kids to go ahead, and I returned to the man.
I asked him, "Do you want me to buy you something to eat?"
He replied, "I need money for the bus to get home."
I then noticed that he had a beverage cup in his hand with a beverage still in it.
I turned around and caught up with my children because his story had changed.
Just as in good conscience I could not not buy him food if he was hungry, I could also not give him money because it didn't sit right with me. That was not what he had asked for to begin with.
I told the kids about it and about my uncomfortable feelings about maybe what this guy's story was and about my own uncomfortable feelings about not just giving him money.....yes because he might buy drugs or cigarettes or booze with it. I can't in good conscience give people cash that might be spent on drugs or booze or cigarettes.
There is judgment there, but I can't help it, and it bothers me immensely that there is judgment and that I can't help it.
As we continued our drive home, G said, "Life is difficult," and I couldn't help but agree.
I don't expect I'll end up in hell, either.
A nice uncomfortable seat in purgatory will be mine.
Of course, I'm already in purgatory.
Evidence:
Today, as the kids and I were walking back to our car downtown, a man right outside of a Subway asked for money so he could get something to eat.
I shook my head no, and as I walked along I was reminded by my conscience that when I do (or not do) unto others, I do unto Jesus. I told D and the kids to go ahead, and I returned to the man.
I asked him, "Do you want me to buy you something to eat?"
He replied, "I need money for the bus to get home."
I then noticed that he had a beverage cup in his hand with a beverage still in it.
I turned around and caught up with my children because his story had changed.
Just as in good conscience I could not not buy him food if he was hungry, I could also not give him money because it didn't sit right with me. That was not what he had asked for to begin with.
I told the kids about it and about my uncomfortable feelings about maybe what this guy's story was and about my own uncomfortable feelings about not just giving him money.....yes because he might buy drugs or cigarettes or booze with it. I can't in good conscience give people cash that might be spent on drugs or booze or cigarettes.
There is judgment there, but I can't help it, and it bothers me immensely that there is judgment and that I can't help it.
As we continued our drive home, G said, "Life is difficult," and I couldn't help but agree.
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