From the Prayer Journal of Fr. Jack Tolley

I needed to hear this message from St. Paul today.
I get all weighed down in my medical problems, and feeling guilty that I can't do all of things
I used to do for all of you. In short, feeling very sorry for myself in general.
This reflection from the October 21, 2001, Forward Day by Day, was very helpful for me.
I wanted to share it with you. 
Blessings, love, and hugs,
Fr. Jack.
 
 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day,
and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
 
How many of us today who, at the least bit of disappointment, just give up:
stay put, never grow and never learn. In the otherwise unmemorable, movie, "The Evening Star,"
the character Aurora Greenway says, "Oh, Melanie, discouragement has killed more people
than all the diseases ever known to man put together."
  
Confidence born of faith in Jesus Christ, knowledge of the love God for us, conviction
in the hope of eternal life - these alone are gifts enough to keep us from despair. Let us 
go out and do the work God has given us to do with gladness and singleness of heart.