March Madness

It is like the last mile....that dark of the morning just before spring hits. The light that is about to take over our hearts is just around the corner, yet somehow I can't keep from creating wreckage along this final stretch. Relationships are strained in every corner of my universe. I am intent on completing tasks, not realizing the tasks are just a stage to bring me closer to fellow human beings. Just as I am thinking that these human beings are getting in my way, I realize that these are the people that are in the canoe with me as I am hitting the rapids. Instead of grabbing their oar and hitting them over the head, I should be patiently awaiting their contribution. It is after all, with each oar in the water that we make it through the rapids. So as I enter the final turn on this river, I will keep my hands on my own oar and dig deep into the water. I will resist the temptation of blaming those around me for my discontent. I know that this puts me in bondage. If the slaves could free their minds while in bondage, surely I can keep my mind my out of bondage since I am free. I am free from the bottle. It no longer creeps into my mind in the middle of the day. It no longer robs me of my retirement fund. It will not keep me up late at night, making swiss cheese out of my liver. It will not clog my arteries, keep me from the gym, stupefy my mind, desinigrate my judgment, and keep me from growing. Thanks be to God!