"I trust you will find a 'permanent' position somewhere inside. Maybe the child who was born expecting that Life is forever, that accountability is permanent, that others' rights to Life is eternal— still lives in you."

—The Paper Plate

Perception and expectation can set up faulty premises that we must overcome. Our traditional expectations force us to forge different and disconnected lives. This disconnection, at fundamental levels, brings inconsistencies as we accumulate experiences over the course of many years, as do traditions over many generations. Perceptions and expectations can also establish a solid foundation that helps relationships last, but they must be consistent.

Knowing what to expect of ourselves is the first critical premise for building a relationship with God. To form a premise that passes the consistency test, is to expect ourselves to be the children that we realistically can be for God who knows the extent of our reach. We must not expect to be more than human with God, while accepting that we can be human with our parents.

Approach this one premise inconsistently, and we'll never achieve accord with Them. We are God's children whether we're sporting our Sunday attire or midweek coveralls, whether we're carrying the cross or working the land. We must be the same children of Devine God, as we are of mortal parents.

It's time we think again about ourselves, lest the human pain and suffering should continue.

However, there are people who believe human sufferings are negligible, that we should be filled with humility and always walk humbly. They may remind us that Christ is the one who has made a serious sacrifice, or Buddha was the unselfish one, or Confucius who was the most thoughtful.

This belief is very evident in people who give their entire life for God. Perhaps they will discover one day that it isn't necessary; that God isn't who we perceive, understand, or expect. These devoted disciples might live entirely in solitude, in complete celibacy, or even in endless pain. God probably prefers that we live a life for ourselves and for one another, to improve humanity, and to truly reflect Their glory.

To avoid hardships, or to reduce the severity of pain, people learn from religion the practice of praising and praying to God. People pray to God for good health, lasting love, steady income, as well as salvation or afterlife. People then praise God for perceived answers to their prayers, and for gracious consideration of unanswered requests.

Why are our lives held together delicately by prayers?

We must ask for strength. We must ask for direction. We must beg for forgiveness. If we stand up on our own, that might be perceived as boastful, ungrateful, and disrespectful. It sounds like we must walk a religious tight rope— or we will be left fending for ourselves.

When no obvious answer to our prayers appears, people are left to wonder if it's a punishment. Then we must interpret for ourselves what the punishment is and for whatever wrong. We have no control after prayers leave our lips. We're taught to have faith that we will receive what we ask for somewhere in our lives. We're supposed to trust that it's helping us in ways we don't know or understand.

Is this a spiritual placebo?

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