Above: Athens-Clarke County, Georgia
Image Source = Google Earth
Words and intentions interest me. Indeed, words have power; the Epistle of James, for example, reminds us of that truth. Intentions are relevant in many legal matters. As much as words and intentions interest me, actions interest me more. Therefore, I prefer to do something then say that I have done it, rather than proclaim my intention to do something, learn that I cannot do it, then announce that, sorry, I would have done it, except for circumstances beyond my control.
I live in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. Our local bypass is, informally, the Loop, for the obvious reason.
One evening, years ago, I was driving on the Loop. Ahead of me was a vehicle that had its right turn signal on as it passed successive exits. The right turn signal remained on between exits, too. As I neared my exit, I activated my right turn signal then exited the Loop. That other vehicle, with its right turn signal still on, remained on the Loop, without turning. By the time I exited the Loop, I had ceased to believe the right turn signal.
As I drive, I pay attention to turn signals, of course. However, I pay more attention to where vehicles go. Some drivers turn without using turn signals, too. I believe what people do. I do not always believe what they say.
Consequences are about as practical as anything can be. I recall that, years ago, there was a certain state representative from Athens who sponsored anti-abortion legislation. (I dislike abortion as much as the next person who tries to respect the image of God in each human being. I also recognize that certain strategies are more effective than others, while others are ineffective.) I also recall that this legislation triggered another law–the law of unintended consequences. I remember that this state law interfered with the malpractice insurance of certain health care professionals. I also recall that the state representative refused to apologize for this unintended consequence.
May all of us live according to mutuality, compassion, respect, and love. May we say what we mean, mean what we say, and try to avoid the law of unintended consequences. May our words and actions not belie each other. And, when we do trigger the law of unintended consequences, may we be remorseful. Then may we act accordingly.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 23, 2021 COMMON ERA
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUNDRY THOUGHTS 
“May we say what we mean, mean what we say, and try to avoid the law of unintended consequences. May our words and actions not belie each other. And, when we do trigger the law of unintended consequences, may we be remorseful. Then may we act accordingly.”
May it be absolutely so.
Indeed!
Miss Abbott said, “Every little trifle, for some reason, does seem incalculably important today, and when you say of a thing that ‘nothing hangs on it,’ it sounds like blasphemy. There’s never any knowing—(how am I to put it?)—which of our actions, which of our idlenesses won’t have things hanging on it for ever.” (E. M. Forster, “Where Angels Fear to Tread”, p.153) It seems to me that folks either don’t care–I feel most politicians are in this category–or blind themselves by their passions, so that they do not see the consequences which hang upon their words and actions.
Father John, you have added a fine quote and a good comment. Thank you.
Your comment goes double whenever the maintenance of ego is a factor.
Sending this ref to ShiraDest on Goodreads. Thank you, Sirs.