I did a slow fade over about a 3 year period. After I became completely inactive, the first thing I did was fulfill my dream of becoming a police officer. Even though that isn't exactly forbidden, I put that up as the first thing.
Shortly after that I began to buy Christmas and birthday gifts for the kids. This was the first year my kids went trick-or-treating on Halloween. The past 2 Christmasses we even decorated the house.
I registered to vote and I vote. I am very politcally active. I am a member of a local Republican club. I am currently helping 3 candidates with their election campaigns.
I have no issue with saluting the flag when in uniform or saying the pledge of allegiance. If I were single and had no kids I would enlist as an Army reservist. My kids want to enlist and I am supporting their decision to do so.
I feel that I am a better person now than I ever was because I am supporting my community and making real positive changes. That is infinitely greater than just telling people that God will make it all better one day.