"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."
– Marcus Aurelius
I have a healthy respect for nature's power, but I do not fear it. That respect is why I don't run outside waving golf clubs over my head during any of our numerous electrical storms. I don't have a fear of heights, but my days of climbing a ladder on to the roof of the house are over due to my deeper understanding of gravity and the amount of time it takes bones to heal after age 70. I'm really not fearful of anything, though I get a bit twitchy in the presence of wasps, hornets, and bees. My immune system isn't what it used to be, and the last time I got stung my hand took on the appearance of a boxing glove in about 10 minutes.
Everyone has to figure out on their own what to be afraid of or if they are going to be afraid at all. My goal is for my faith to drive out my fear. I know I can be fearful and I can be faithful. I just can't be both at the same time. I'm deeply grateful for all life has taught me.
