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October-December, 2012

Tending Bar with Spirit’s Help

by Rev. Larry Glenz, O.M.C.

I don’t know how many combination Ordained Ministerial Counselor / bartenders there are in the world — but I am one. Some have said that it is certainly an odd mix; others have said they see how the two vocations dovetail beautifully. ACIM has taught me that it does not matter what you do in the world of form. What is important is with which teacher you choose to do it.

When I was a younger man in the 1980’s and 90’s, I tended bar on Sundays at a sports bar in NY on the south shore of Long Island. Sunday was my day off from being a history teacher and coach of three sports. The part-time bartender job helped to pay the bills and seemed to also enhance my social life.

Since my retirement from teaching over four years ago, I have devoted myself to being a Pathways of Light minister. It is my passion and I have the time and means to do it. I have also taken on two shifts as the bartender of the Swiss Tavern — a local restaurant in the same village where I taught school.

You meet all kinds of personalities in the bar business. It’s a perfect job for practicing non-judgment, for seeing only sinlessness in my brother. Sooner or later, a bartender is bound to face a troublesome customer — perhaps several. My attitude towards this is so much different now than it was in my pre-ACIM bartending days. But I still have to catch myself — an aggressive drinker can become a big “button-pusher.” Forgiveness opportunities abound!

There have been a few occasions when I have forgotten that the customer in front of me is the Perfect Child of God. A New York bar is not the place to be always gentle when a customer is misbehaving or bothering our other patrons. But putting the Holy Spirit in charge of my actions is always the right thing to do — no matter what the circumstances.

A frightening bully, an angry wife, a mentally ill senior, an inebriated young beauty — all have to be dealt with appropriately for the business to succeed as a place where people will go for food, drink, and enjoyment. Some difficult situations will certainly arise. Sometimes, in the so-called heat of battle, I have remembered to say to Holy Spirit, “You are in charge of what I say and do now.” When I remember to do that, my confidence level goes way up. Perhaps the people involved sense that and I have a more calming yet stronger presence than I would otherwise, left to my own ego devices.

Back in the day as a younger bartender I didn’t even try to use a Guide Who could never steer me in the wrong direction. I remember some of those situations ended ugly. I am so grateful that I have a Guide now — so grateful that it is no longer up to me to fix anything without the help of the One that cannot make a mistake.

Whether behind the bar or in any other situation, I just need to remember to pause, step back, step aside, and let Inspiration take charge. All the things that are taking place in our lives are the perfect curriculum for our learning process. The more challenging the situation appears, the greater the opportunity to learn the power of true forgiveness.

I will still need some way to get the troublesome customer out of the bar. But turning to my Inner Guide can be more effective than a pair of 300 lb. bouncers to do the work. This holds true for all of life’s challenges. And I’m grateful, Holy Spirit, for the lessons.

© 2012, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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