I am in a motel room in Joplin MO, waiting for a truck assignment, waiting to move in, waiting to get back OTR. Waiting! so much time each of us spend WAITING! Sometimes my waiting turns into a nap, a SERIOUS nap! Usually, I try to be busy doing something I hope is productive, that will benefit myself and others.

An hour ago, while WAITING for my meal to be served - at the "Whiskey Creek" restaurant (two buildings from the motel) - I made a short "to do" list. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the things I must do before my first book is in print and online, AND is generating revenue. A feel better remedy? Make a "to do" list, prioritize list items, then JUST DO IT! (the 1st list item, then the second, etc.)

Earlier today, around 0600, a few minutes after firing up the laptop, while taking my first sip of coffee, I leaned forward in a way that 'scrunched' my rib cage into my chest. Ouch! It felt like my heart was being squeezed by a giant hand, like when a muscle cramps. Kinda scary feeling, wondering if the ticker had stopped ticking, and if it had, would it start back. Only relief was to stand up and stretch out the arms, make a "T shape" of my body, and from the waist bend back a few times and lean from side to side. Yea, I probably have an enlarged heart, due to a "bad" habit.

Fear! "We have nothing to fear but fear itself!" - a quote attributed to Teddy Roosevelt, in one of his radio addresses to the nation. You cannot run away from your mistakes. You cannot hide from your enemies. You cannot forever fear death; not your own, nor the death of a loved one. You cannot forever ridicule, put yourself down, live without a small spark of redemption, forgiveness, love, and self-esteem.

You cannot continue forever to feel lonely, abused, a victim, a victimizer, hated, not loved, incapable of loving and being loved. Try as hard and as long as you might, none of these negative emotions will last, will survive, into eternity. (That last is my best hope, best prayer, and 'big bet'.)

Being fully alive in each precious moment requires a 'healthy' dose of responsibility, love and respect for your self! Each of us must allow the past to be the past, the future to be the future. You create your reality moment by moment, by choices and decisions you make in the NOW. If you always blame someone else for your current situation, you will never learn from that situation, and move on to better, happier, richer, more fulfilling, more enjoyable 'precious moments'.

So, why wait until eternity to live and BE all that you WILL to be? All a part of God's grace - if you do not ignore, reject, and discard - this divine, and free, gift.