Regret

 There are a lot of things which I regret which I didn't get around to doing before my stroke. One of those things, is that I didn't dedicate more time to reading some of my many books I have accumulated throughout my many days. 

One of those books is "A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE "by Rick Warren. A few weeks ago, Reverend Josh started reviewing the book,  we try to cover a chapter each week. 

This week, he reviewed the first half of chapter 3. He said because it is such a large chapter, he was going to tackle it in two parts . I didn't mind at all, as I realized early on, that there was quite a bit to take in, even for just half of a chapter. 

The chapter identifies five key emotions that we must learn to recognize and control, if we are to live a purpose driven life. Our lives are guided by emotions, learning to master them is crucial to our being able to reach our goals in life.  

The first item on the list is guilt. Whether real or imagined, guilt has the ability to overpower us, if we don't keep it in check. Often, we do not even know it's a problem for us, but left unchecked, it can linger for years, if not decades. 

Guilt can be a good thing. It will sometimes lead us to do the right things. The author credits guilt, to leading him to a life of service. 

Resentment and anger are covered next, as the key emotions which drive our lives. They have a way of keeping you looking back, rather than moving forward. You can't do both. 

Forgiving and forgetting, are extremely difficult things for us to do. Very important however, if you are to live a purpose driven life. 

Next, the author touches on Fear. Fear can be healthy and beneficial to you. The Bible speaks to us about fear. 1 John 4:18 states, WELL-FORMED LOVE BANISHES FEAR. SINCE FEAR IS CRIPPLING, A FEARFUL LIFE - FEAR OF DEATH, FEAR OF JUDGMENT, IS ONE NOT YET FULLY FORMED IN LOVE. 

Your fear can be beneficial, and prevent you from taking unnecessary risks. A healthy dose of fear will help you along your journey, and help you grow. 

Next up, is a subject we all have to wrestle with from time to time; Materialism. It can have its benefits, when approached in a healthy method. Like sharing life's blessings with others. 

More often than not however, we keep everything to ourselves, never being satisfied with what we have. Thus, a millionaire, is not happy, les they become a billionaire. A man who owns 3 homes, strives to have 4. Etc. Etc. Etc. 

Finally, Josh spoke about our need for approval. Whether it's from our parents, siblings, friends or neighbors. Ultimately we typically have someone in our lives, who we are trying to please. That can be healthy, but it can lead to some compulsive behavior. 

Often, it winds up being ourselves that we are trying to please. Becoming our own critics, that is something easier said than done. There is definitely truth to be found, in the old adage, "You are your own worst critic. "


Guilt, Resentment & Anger, Fear, Materialism, and The Need for Approval, all have their place. They have to be held in check though, if we are to make progress along the journey in our lives.

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