Automatism, Purposeful Activity, and Human Progress

September 17, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

How often is our behavior non-purposeful, without intention, and without conscious awareness? How often is our behavior purposeful, intentional, and conscious of others’ well-being? I got to thinking about this subject the past few days, as I reflected on the theme of automatism. This post reflects upon the need for purposeful regard for other persons’ wellbeing if we are to experience human progress. I mentioned “automatism” above. So, what is automatism? According to the American Psychological Association, automatism is “nonpurposeful... Read more

On Spiritual Warfare: Bowing Down in Prayerful Obedience

September 10, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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I was role-playing with my six-year-old granddaughter Jaylah the other day. She had her tired, old grandpa on his hands and knees as she stood confidently before me eye to eye. I was an alligator, and she was a fairy princess. At one point, she paused to reflect on what she would say next. She pondered and then proclaimed: “What’s that word again? Oh yeah, bow down to me!” What is a good-natured and tired alligator like me to do... Read more

Searching for Conscious Control Amid Life’s Turbulent Storms

September 3, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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I’m always searching for signs of conscious control when visiting my son Christopher at his adult care facility. To the nurse on duty or a CNA or a respiratory therapist I ask, “Have you witnessed any signs of conscious control in Christopher today?” or something to that effect. The same question surfaces when thinking about God and about my own approach to life. This post focuses on the importance of searching for and finding signs of conscious control amid life’s... Read more

Special Adaptations: It’s Never Too Late to Become a Platypus

August 26, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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My granddaughter Jaylah started talking about platypuses on the ride home from ballet practice the other day. I interjected: “I would like to be a platypus.” Jaylah immediately retorted: “That’s not possible, Grandpa. You’re a grownup…You’re a person.” Well, to her point, I cannot scientifically become a platypus as a grownup human person. Still, I want to become like this amazing creature. The platypus is a wonderful example of successful adaptation. This is a post on the importance of special... Read more

Treat Persons, Not Merely Diseases

August 15, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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One of the leaders at my son’s care facility likes to share a quote from the film, Patch Adams. The film stars Robin Williams. The quote reads, “You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person I guarantee you win—no matter the outcome.” (Here is a link to the video clip including the quote) This post is about applying this mindset to every sphere of life, including healthcare. I find that healthcare workers who take this approach... Read more

Wedding Vows: for Better, for Worse, in Sickness and in Health

August 13, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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My wife Mariko and I celebrated 33 years of marriage Friday. I told our adult son Christopher at his adult care facility in the afternoon that Mom and I were celebrating our 33rd anniversary. Christopher suddenly made a few interesting gestures, which I assumed were in response to what I shared. After visiting with Christopher for some time, I headed home to pick up my wife and head out to dinner. Over dinner, my wife and I reflected on all... Read more

People Are Far More Important Than Things

July 22, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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None of us wants to be treated as a thing. But we struggle to treat one another as persons. It is very difficult to discern what a person is when what we do, what we wear, what we own, and in some cases, who we own, generates our sense of value rather than who we are. We live in what Pope Francis referred to as a “throwaway culture.” A throwaway culture cheapens human persons as tools to use or commodities... Read more

How Close Is Cleanliness to Godliness?

July 9, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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How close is cleanliness to godliness? What kind of cleanliness matters most when considering godliness? This is the subject of my new post. According to Christianity.com, “John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism, may have been the originator of the slogan ‘cleanliness is next to godliness.’ In 1791, he referenced the phrase in one of his sermons as we use it today. Wesley wrote, ‘Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.’” I’m a big fan of Mr. Wesley,... Read more

Fighting for True Freedom: A Work in Progress

July 2, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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True freedom or liberty is not easy to achieve. It is a work in progress. On this Fourth of July weekend, I reflect upon the importance of not taking freedom for granted and working hard to attain it nationally and interpersonally. Let’s start with our nation’s longstanding pursuit of democratic freedom. In his Gettysburg address, President Abraham Lincoln sought to honor the fallen on both sides of the conflict in the Civil War: “It is for us the living, rather,... Read more

What’s On Your Bucket List?

June 25, 2023 By Paul Louis Metzger

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Summer is in full swing. Countless people are taking vacations or planning trips that have long been on their bucket lists. New research building on behavioral economics adds to the import of such trips, as we are encouraged to “buy experiences, not things.” “Moment-to-moment experiences” constitute happiness, according to Matthew Killingsworth. In no way do I wish to discourage people from planning or going on such trips. I just know my wife and I can’t plan them, that is, not... Read more