2 Tim 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

How do we bounce back? How do we return to joy? What is a primary marker of maturity?

Despair and defeated thinking can eat our lunch. But it doesn't have to.

Is Christianity livable? Is it true? Is it beautiful?

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (2 Tim 4:6)

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength... (2 Tim 4:16-17)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Tim 4:3-4)

*Correction - The concept of unconditional positive regard was developed in the 1950's in the context of client-centered therapy by Carl Rogers, not the brilliant Carl Jung.

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Tim 4:2)

John 6:44-45 and 2 Corinthians 4:4