I don't know if this will be a valued contribution to the Conversation, but Question #4 spoke to me (In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to raise your standards of excellence? What specific steps could you take to do so?)
As a proud member of the Dying Generation, I must confess that my decency and value as a partner are often challenged by the amazing number of distractions that are thrown our way. I suspect the younger people, with their phones and their social media, are worse offenders than me. Still, as a man married for nearly 30 years, I find myself agreeing with my wife while not really listening to her. It is often a surprise to me when she goes off to visit a doctor. She is scrupulous in attempting to keep me appraised of her every movement, but I am capable of forgetting every word that she says. Often immediately.
To be a fully human and decent person, I need to make her my first priority.
I feel better already. Have you considered entering the priesthood, Jason?
I think you’ve hit on something really important. I’ve been married for 21 years, and I sometimes catch myself not really hearing my wife either. It’s so easy to get caught up in the distractions of life, even when we don’t mean to. Your comment is a good reminder for all of us to refocus on making our loved ones the priority. I really appreciate how you’re reflecting on that after almost 30 years of marriage—there’s a lot of wisdom in what you said.
As for the question about entering the priesthood, we don’t have priests in my church. My dad was actually a Baptist minister for his whole life, so ministry is something I grew up around (though I am not Baptist). I even served as a youth pastor in a non-denominational church for a couple years back in the day, but I found that being a shepherd wasn’t really my calling. It takes a special person to be an effective church leader.
Another great trip in time. Thank you.
I don't know if this will be a valued contribution to the Conversation, but Question #4 spoke to me (In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to raise your standards of excellence? What specific steps could you take to do so?)
As a proud member of the Dying Generation, I must confess that my decency and value as a partner are often challenged by the amazing number of distractions that are thrown our way. I suspect the younger people, with their phones and their social media, are worse offenders than me. Still, as a man married for nearly 30 years, I find myself agreeing with my wife while not really listening to her. It is often a surprise to me when she goes off to visit a doctor. She is scrupulous in attempting to keep me appraised of her every movement, but I am capable of forgetting every word that she says. Often immediately.
To be a fully human and decent person, I need to make her my first priority.
I feel better already. Have you considered entering the priesthood, Jason?
I think you’ve hit on something really important. I’ve been married for 21 years, and I sometimes catch myself not really hearing my wife either. It’s so easy to get caught up in the distractions of life, even when we don’t mean to. Your comment is a good reminder for all of us to refocus on making our loved ones the priority. I really appreciate how you’re reflecting on that after almost 30 years of marriage—there’s a lot of wisdom in what you said.
As for the question about entering the priesthood, we don’t have priests in my church. My dad was actually a Baptist minister for his whole life, so ministry is something I grew up around (though I am not Baptist). I even served as a youth pastor in a non-denominational church for a couple years back in the day, but I found that being a shepherd wasn’t really my calling. It takes a special person to be an effective church leader.
Enjoyed the history. I found it interesting that it was around $50 in today's currency while staying in a nice hotel now is a lot more.