We are all a work in progress.

Tolerance for the path taken matters.

Freedom to Worship, Norman Rockwell, 1943

TAT readers,

Although I’ve been only writing two days a week due to a busy schedule, I wanted to take just a few minutes this morning, to offer my best wishes, to everyone celebrating a religious or cultural holiday.

Religious Observance calendar excerpt, Drexel University

This time of year, is powerful amongst a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs. The days of celebration, reflection and a wide variety of observances are often different, all around our globe. All such beliefs are in pursuit of the same basic concept, to be a more moral, human being. Whether we agree with the “how,” is far less important than acknowledging that the overwhelming majority of human beings, are pursuing improvement. For me, this has always been the foundation of my personal beliefs. Tolerance without judgement fits elegantly into my own perspective. Like everyone else though, I am a work-in-progress.

In a world so painfully at odds with each other, unifying over the pursuit of seeking deeper morality, seems a natural fit, as something all human beings can come together over. My mantra for most of my adult life, whether in a combat zone or relaxing, laughing and sharing experiences with friends and family, is that we all want the same thing; “to have enough to eat, security for our loved ones and to dance at our children’s weddings.” Yes, this may be a pollyannish and naive perspective, but supporting everyone’s quest to share in these basic human needs, is what gets me up in the morning.

Over the course of history, the toll taken on humanity by focusing on the differences, is soul-searing to those who study these things or have personally experienced them. Today, this week, month and more, and as we collectively head off to a long weekend to celebrate one version of the human quest for spiritual peace, let us all at least consider something that I focus on daily: Nearly all human beings pursue the same and in their own way. If we cannot accept that our neighbors may seek peace and spirituality differently, there is little chance we will find the same in our own search.

However all of you pursue your own beliefs, I wish you success, enjoyment and fulfillment, with tolerance and grace.

My warmest regards to all,

Paul