ROCK BOTTOM AND HALF-EMPTY
By Gary Talovic: Once, in the middle of a heated argument, my girlfriend threw something at me. I threw it back. She went to the hospital. I went to jail.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s rewind.
In my old life, I spent 25 years working in Silicon Valley. I worked everywhere from the smallest start-up company to multi-billion dollar corporations, all in senior management positions. My wife and I also owned a business that grossed over $1million a year. We had a nice house, fancy cars, secure investments -- and we raised 2 beautiful children.
On the outside, everything was perfect. But on the inside, there was something wrong with me. I was unfulfilled and unhappy -- focused on what I didn’t have, and unable to appreciate what I did have. I was defined by the world’s criteria -- my possessions. One quote summed up my position:
“Never take from Man what should be given by God.”
The dissatisfaction was pervasive, and I watched my recreational alcohol and drug use slowly turn into a full-blown addiction. I alienated my wife and we ended our 20- year marriage in a bitter divorce. My children had no idea who their father had become.
I continued down this destructive path, entering into a business partnership with an addict and living with my girlfriend -- also an addict. I spent everything I had on my habit.
Then I had the argument with my girlfriend, and ended up in jail. I had finally hit bottom; I’m lucky I did.
While in jail, I cried out to God. I had been ignoring him for some 40 years, but my prayers were answered by a letter from my daughter, containing an application to the Dream Center.
I entered the Dream Center’s Discipleship Program, and eventually life became what it’s supposed to be. Possessions no longer define me, and I know I'm forgiven for my past mistakes. The self centered, “never enough” life that nearly destroyed me is gone, and has been replaced by the peace and hope that only God can give. I now wake up with real joy. My kids have their father back, I have a good relationship with their mother, and I truly feel rich inside.
When I was at my worst, I thought my life would be over soon. But now, working as an accountant at the Dream Center and living with a smile on my face, I thank God for the second chance I didn’t see coming!