John Kitsco

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Travelling the countryside many years ago, doing my rural door to door sales
I often had the opportunity to hear a vast array of stories, usually over coffee.
One story was very sad. I inquired who lived in a lovely mobile home sitting on
a hillside, overlooking a lake. I was told that a couple with two young children
lived there. The husband, it seemed was quite accomplished with his computer
but spent a lot of time in a chat room. There - it appears he met the love of his
life, someone across the ocean he met in a chat room. She sent along a picture
and with a few words and a pretty picture he was certain he had found his true
love. He simply told his wife he was leaving on a trip but did not explain further.
A friend of his wife had checked over the computer which she was having problems with - only to find the messages between her husband and this new
faraway love child. The wife moved away from the mobile home to live with her
family. A realtor was told to sell the property. 

What does this story tell you about habits or things habit forming? We all
know someone who eats too much, smokes too much, drinks too much, spends
far too much time in a chat room. Maybe too much time with movies and popcorn.
Maybe too much time with sexual activity. Or an uncontrolled temper?
Habits take a person and seem to put them under a spell. The world of habit.
The world of temptation. Its certainly out there 24/7 as they say. The flashing
city lights. Big signs. Here. More. Cheaper. Better. Relax a little. Live a little.
Drink a little. Let yourself go. You only live once.  Yes, all habit forming
activity.

So easy to get into a habit. So hard to get out of it. As the saying goes, take care
what kind of habit rut you get into. You might be there many years. And why
do you need to be in a rut? Look at yourself. Look at that person in the mirror.
Thats who you are.

Some seek guidance. Others go from one habit to a worse habit. Some quit for
a while and come back to the same old habit. Habits require a person to set rules
for themselves and follow those rules.  Alcoholics Anonymous have a multi-staired program. A friend of mine attends regular gatherings...just in case
he wants to go back to the old habit...

You may find temptation pounding on your door when you have been through
much physical exertion. Or you are simply tired. And who is there, well well...
its Mr. Temptation. Do we let him in?  Have another drink. Have another smoke.
How can that do any harm. There it is - the return of the habit.

Yet, with the rising sun, with the new day - it seems Mr. Temptation is staying
away. Your self control is stronger after a good nights sleep.

So next time as the latest country song goes...Forgive me Lord...I feel a sin coming on....get some rest. Recharge your batteries. Get some help from
Mother Nature. A walk in the woods. A stroll by the beach. Ask yourself what
is really important in life. As reality sets in, you are on the border of change.
And change is really possible for us all. Sure, it requires a lot of work but
don't be afraid to go on your knees... and ask for help...before Mr. Temptation
becomes not only a regular visitor at your door - but begins to seek refuge in
your home.  Its up to any of us. Its up to all of us. To understand what is important and what is not. Maybe we'll then - be tempted to change.