<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12161488#post12161488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by msentell
You know, we all have different reasons for setting up and maintaining saltwater aquariums...I thought I'd share a small bit here...
I tend to live around a pretty high-stress environment. I help run a small computer company that works with policemen nationwide. This funds my life so that I can also pastor a small church, primarily composed of people who don't feel comfortable in traditional churches...single parents, drug addicts, recovering drug addicts, homosexuals, etc.. Since I work a day job, I don't need a salary from the church, and consequently we have the privilege of passing on 100% of our donated funds to help people in our community in very practical ways. That has nothing to do with this post, but I'm really proud of how much this group of misfits helps their town.
I love doing all of this, but I am around difficult and hurting people all the time. Running a small business with a few dozen employees has its own challenges too. Did I mention that my family is battling cancer (again) right now as well? It often feels like I am completely out of control of the world around me, and in reality, I probably am. That is where my aquarium comes in.
The process I am in now of envisioning, setting up and establishing my new tank is giving me a small bit of control over something in my world. This is incredibly therapeutic. I'm not a control-freak by any means, but it is really nice to have a measure of control over something around me. I trust God for all things, and I suspect He knows how much I need something 'stable' in my world...my wife and the tank are it right now!
I know that in a few months, the tank will be settling down, there will be a few fish and corals and inverts doing their thing, and I'll approach my tank with the 2nd of my reasons for keeping fish: the beauty, intrigue, and peace that comes by watching them...allowing me to escape into their world for a few minutes each day .
So, anyway, this is a thanks-in-advance to this community for answering questions and helping me step through this process. Thanks, Richard, for providing your services...can't wait.
Anyone else want to chime in? Why do you keep a salt aquarium?
Mark
very good post from the heart....is a refreshing breath of air to hear such a heart felt story....good job man!
And keep up your good work with your fellow man,.....we need many thousands more like you.....if this world has a chance...I am 55 now, and been doing this since 1973...and like you...have seen the challenges, and what it takes to keep us all on the same page...kudos to you!
Richard TBS
:rollface: :rollface: :rollface:
