Saturday, September 26, 2009

God is one tough negotiator

I bargained with God when I was last in the hospital. I told him or her or them or whatever that if they cure me from this blasted disease that I would be less judgmental towards others and always keep the faith (I sneakily didn't disclose which faith so that my options would be open). I still think it was a good offer though. God gets a big utilitarian benefit, positively affecting the lives of many and all he has to do is give me my health back. I didn't even impose too many time limits (well I did say within 24 hours so I can gauge if it worked).

I then spent the day doing positive thinking, trying to believe that the deal was rubber stamped and being processed by God's front line workers now. And I blocked all critical thoughts as best as I could. And my health got worse. And worse. What was missing in my deal with God? Perhaps I was too aggressive? But aren't you supposed to start with higher demands and then let the other party claw back a bit?

Regardless, I kept my end of the "bargain" for the next month. I thought only good thoughts about others and it made me a nicer person to be around. It really was nice and I could even bare my own company for that month. But then it dawned on me. What kind of credibility will I have with God next time I bargain? If I keep my end of the deal and he reneges from his duties why would he ever take me seriously? So Mr. Critical came back. God, if you are listening, this is a two way street and you have to do your share as well. If you want to deal you know where I am.


2 comments:

  1. Negotiating with God is an interesting topic. I have thought that most people are probably God's fair weather friends in reverse. We don't call unless we need something. I think it's good just to say hi once in a while. Who knows, maybe God also suffers with hemorrhoids.

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  2. Negotiating is good,i do it all the time.Mind you it sounds more like arguments to me, than negotiating, but who cares?

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