Loving Life

[Dr. Shane]

Life is sometimes an emotional struggle. Some are plagued with issues that bog them down. In the past I have been bogged down with fear and resentments. I let worry keep me from enjoying the present. I was always worried about what tomorrow, next month, next year or next decade might bring. My mind was way off into the future. I also struggled with forgiving people for past harms done to me. Some of the people were already dead and I still couldn't forgive them. My resentments had my mind plant back into the past. So when my fears and resentments were combined - I had no present. I was always off in the future or back in the past.

In order to deal with resentments I had to learn to forgive. I learned that some years ago and it has been a great burden taken off from me. To deal with my fears, I had to learn to trust God. That has been much harder for me. I have been making a lot of progress in that area over the past year and a half. Pretty much since this recession started and job security has become so shaky.

Today I can honestly say I love life and am really enjoying living in the moment. This has led me to become more involved in the faith community. I find myself looking forward to prayer meeting, small group study, Sabbath morning services and AY. I am also more involved with the 12 step group I have belonged to for 20+ years. I am taking time to spend with my kids, playing games, having family worship, putting on PJs and doing family movie night as well as looking for opportunities to brighten my wife's life a little bit. Of course I am still concerned about the future - but not fearful. I do what I am suppose to and trust God to take care of us. That allows me to live in today and enjoy each moment that comes at each phase of my life.

[Dr. Shane]

Fear and resentments can really keep us from enjoying life. I learned to deal with resentments many years ago but fear is still a challenge. I is hard for me to be still and know that He is God.

[Bravus]

"Perfect love casts out fear" is a text that means a lot to me. Amen to your testimony above, Shane.

[Gail]

Praise God, Shane! Now you can devote some of that energy on other things that reward you with happiness!