September 2 I just turned another year older. I’m not depressed or upset, just the opposite actually. You see my loyal readers; I look forward to my annual day of living. Maybe it is because of my near-death experience from the stroke I had back in 2002.
I enjoy living my second life to the fullest because, God doesn’t always gives us second chances. This time, for whatever reason, He gave me this opportunity to be what I couldn’t be for the first forty-four years of my life.
It hasn’t been easy, and unlikely to be any easier as the years continue along a winding path that will lead me to whatever awaits me. No journey ever undertaken is supposed to be easy. Ulysses’ Odessey is what we all strive toward; a successful conclusion in the arms of your one true love. Unfortunately, that is never always the case.
No, instead many who journey never make it to that elusive goal, utopia or what have you. It ends way too soon and tragically for many of us. One too many drinks, a wrong turn, a misunderstanding, an abusive partner who goes too far, a cancer that can’t be cured, a crisis that can’t correct itself, leads to a finality that somehow makes no sense to the surviving family members.
One of my favorite Bible verses comes from Psalm 90:15. We’ve been overwhelmed with grief; come now and overwhelm us with gladness. Replace our years of trouble with decades of delight.
My first forty-four years were my years of trouble. I’m now proud to say, because of how I have changed, I’m in my decades of delight. I hope you all a very wonderful year ahead as well my loyal readers.
Jerry Schellhammer 