MY GREATEST CHALLENGE IS FEAR!

I’m afraid of flying.

I’m afraid of driving.

I’m afraid of living too long.

I’m afraid of dying too soon.

I’m afraid of not having enough . . .

        Patience;

        understanding;

        or, compassion.

I’m afraid of trusting too much.

I’m afraid of not trusting enough.

I’m afraid of not giving enough.

I’m afraid of not doing enough.

I’m afraid of not praying enough.

I’m afraid of not praying hard enough.

I’m afraid of not praying for the “right” things.

And so the battle of fear continues.

As I lay my head down at the end of the day, I replay the day’s events to discern whether or not I can claim victory over myself.

Sometimes I can say that I have – and sadly, sometimes not.

Scripture tells us that we are to be perfect like our heavenly Father is perfect.

I’m quite sure that our Father knows we cannot, nor will not, ever be perfect; but I expect that He expects our efforts to be perfect.

It is through my scripture reading and daily prayer life that has replaced the above mentioned fears and the self-absorbed compliancy that my life once was.

I have come to know exactly what is at stake; and I know I must work every day to make my efforts perfect.

Reprinted from the St. John Vianney Parish Bulletin, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2/16/14

St. Petersburg, Florida.