"A Push and a Prayer"

The other day I was watching an episode of the T.V Detective show, "Monk". One of the characters, a young policeman called Randy, was always being teased by his partner and colleagues.

Monk asked him, "How do you do it? How do you stay so happy?"

Randy answered: "It isn't always easy. But one day, after coming away from a gruesome murder scene, I noticed a sign on a car, `Don't Worry, Be Happy'. I made a decision that day that no matter what happened or what people said to me, I would always BE HAPPY."

I believe, like Randy, that even when depressed you can still pursue life to the fullest if you are seeking happiness. As my psychologist told me over and over again, "Never stay at home - get out there".

* Build relationships.

* Pursue goals.

* Serve others.

* Exercise and stay healthy.

* Resolve pain and conflicts.

* Pursue activities you love.

And top of my list, which wasn't on hers:

* Nurture a spiritual life. Devote time to prayer and Bible Study.

It isn't easy. It is a step by step process. But it is up to you to make the decision to make others happy and yourself happy.

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

I have a feeling over the next few months I may need a lot of encouragement to stay happy. Yes, I have the internal aptitude and the faith, but I also know how easy it is to fall into depression. As I go into my cancer surgery tomorrow, then look ahead to my recovery. I have given my friends and prayer partners the permission to `push me' (not literally). A `PUSH AND A PRAYER' - that is my new motto.

I am hoping with their help and that of the Lord, I will find the courage to stop worrying and to BE HAPPY. If Randy and Monk can do it, so can I.