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In January of 2013 I turned over a new leaf. I endeavored to eat right and to exercise. I enrolled at the YMCA and by mid-year I made it on the list of top 25 attenders. In 2013, I ran, biked, attempted an elliptical, lifted weights, performed countless sit-ups and pull-ups; I only ate pizza, French fries, and deep-fried wings a handful of times; and I felt great. That was 2013. Early in 2014 my drive waned. My workouts became less frequent, McDonald’s French fries never tasted better, and wings, well…. The old leaf was back. Fewer trips to the gym became no trips to the gym.

As I stumbled to the kitchen to get my morning dose of Mountain Dew (don’t judge me), I heard Luanne say, “This stuff is hard.” She was sitting on the couch, Bible and DNA* booklet laid open, working through the book of Mark. My answer was, “Yep, and isn’t it wonderful?” I want to be as equally honest with you. DNA groups are going to be tough.

Thoughts of imminent death were continuously swirling in my head while I rode a big orange raft down the Ocoee River. I was whitewater rafting for the first time. If you have ever been, then you know the simultaneous emotions of exhilaration and fear.

Every man that has ever received it will never forget it…his first sucker-punch. Mine came from the closed-fist of my cousin, Joe. “Why do you always have to be Luke Skywalker?” he questioned, followed by a solid thwack across my jaw. You know maybe Joe had a point. Maybe my struggle is one we all share.