Get High On Life

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 28, 2001

HAROLD KELLER

God gave me a great week I had a great week! Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, I conducted driver improvement and substance abuse classes for people convicted of a DWI (driving while intoxicated). I’ve been doing this for about 12 years, and I get blessed every time I hold the classes. This past week, 19 people were court-ordered to attend. Talk about a cross-section of people! Only a court order could get that crew together. The first night, everyone was a little tense, not knowing what to expect. That feeling was soon gone, as I encouraged everyone’s participation. Tuesday night, I asked the question: “If you had one wish, what would it be?” Five or six said, “A long, healthy life.” I told them something I heard years ago. Instead of asking for more days in your life, why not ask for more life in your days? They liked that! Wednesday night, the last night, we encouraged each other, and the spirit of love that was present was supernatural. We really had fun at these sessions, and the bond that existed between us after only three short night sessions was unbelievable. I enjoy handling these sessions because it makes me realize how good God has been in delivering me from alcoholism and protecting me while I drove under the influence of alcohol. I get more out of these sessions than anyone else. I thank the courts for giving me this opportunity. Thursday, Jeanne and I traveled to Franklin. I was a speaker and moderator at a forum presented by Bayou Land Families Helping Families and the St. Mary Parish School System. It related to handicapped persons, especially students, with special needs. Participants included community leaders, businessmen, religious affiliations, school personnel, teachers, parents and students from St. Mary Parish. It was truly a blessing to be with God’s special people. Maybe that’s why some schools call it “Special Education” – an appropriate name for special people. One of the men I met before the meeting was Lawrence Luke. During the course of our conversation, I asked him if he had lived in Franklin all of his life. “No,” he said, “not all my life. I was born here, but my life’s not over yet, so I haven’t been here all my life.” Then he laughed. I had never heard it put that way. What made this week so good was the people God allowed me to be with. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.