By Bob Bridge, Columnist
We all make mistakes, stumble from time to time.
That’s not up for debate. It’s pretty much a fact of life.
Still, some are slow to identify these imperfections. I suppose they simply are overcome by their sheer awesomeness, blissfully oblivious of their sins and shortcomings.
At some point in life you must settle on a moral code, You then endeavor to exist within those parameters.
Again, there are exceptions. French novelist Honore de Balzac described laws as “the spider webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught.”
Ain’t it the truth?
Some folks consider themselves above the law. It simply does not apply to them.
You know what I’m talking about. Parking in a fire lane at the grocery, or chatting on a phone while driving. Those regulations are designed for the peons of society. Right?
I am uncomfortable breaking rules. I was taught to abide by them.
Most of my childhood friends have grown into upstanding human beings. They are good guys and gals. However, there is one command some of us did not obey.
We cursed. We swore.
Yes, we expressed ourselves via vile expletives. We even took the Lord’s name in vain.
I am not proud of this. Apologists would explain “you were just kids.“
True, but I developed a devilish habit that is horribly hard to break. Sometimes, when people behave particularly poorly and I am subsequently and simultaneously frustrated and intolerant, I vent with four-letter words and foul phrases.
My mouth contorts into a snort and obscenities flow like lava from Vesuvius. Again, I am not proud.
These days, I take the Second Commandment very seriously. I strive harder, more sincerely, to be obedient.
Hence, I’ve established a personal curse jar. Proceeds will be directed to local charities.
Of course I am open to other suggestions.
I also offer this advice: Do not use words or phrases you do not fully comprehend. They can be hurtful, and it’s hard to put a genie back in the bottle, a bullet back in a gun.
Don’t make excuses. Make changes.
You might imagine you’re slipping surreptitiously through that spider web undetected, but Someone is always watching ... and listening.
Choose your words wisely.
Contact Columnist Bob Bridge at 812-276-9646 or bbbbbridge@gmail.com.
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