An unknown author once wrote, "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." With the press of an eight to nine hour daily job and the work I do for the good folk of the Minorsville Christian Church I have been unsuccessful in getting into a habit for this column that keeps me going on it. Frustration is an unkind and miserable bedfellow. I am frustrated to the point that I have to make a choice. After all, "choice, not chance, determines one's destiny." Some other anonymous author is responsible for that little quote. (wouldn't it be amazing to find out that all the anonymous quotes in the world are by the same person?)
Sadly, if I am to maintain a semblence of a home life with time for my wife, children and grandchildren, I must lay this column to rest. I have been writing it now for almost five years. I began writing it at the urging of a dear friend from Covington, Virginia named Teressa Dawson. I decided that the content of it would be the matter of getting out of those difficult situations in which we routinely place ourselves. Another friend, Scott Mandl (no, the "e" is not missing), gave me the idea of the title, "Chip Shots from the Rough of Life." Golfers hit their errant shots into the rough and must then extricate themselves from their predicament, hence the title.
Right now, my predicament is one of needing time to devote to family and much needed rest. In the event that things change in the coming years I may restart the column. However, for now, out of both my need and some recent comments concerning the column, I fear I must bid you adieu. I do hope that you continue to lean on our blessed Savior for the help that we all need in getting ourselves out of those frivolous, yet dangerous, situations into which we regularly fall. May God bless us all in that area of life.
For now, goodbye. I love you with the love of my Lord and pray only the best for your lives.
Charis,
Tom <><