Yesterday morning I was wanting to sort through some things on my desk and get rid of what is no longer needed. In so doing I came across a couple of file folders marked: Personal things. I recalled making those folders many years ago, but I had long forgotten what was in them. As I began to sort through the contents I found journaling I had done in 1978 through 1984. In them were my writings about the months before my divorce and the years of being single along with my meeting Kathy. A common thread throughout these 6 years was the influence (help) a dear friend–Jim McMillan was for me. On May 26, 1984 I had written a poem to him. I remember doing this and giving it to him to thank him for his Godly wisdom and support during this time in my life. For whatever reason, I had a couple copies of the poem. I text my prayer warrior Lois (wife of Jim) and asked if I could come over for a few minutes? I wanted to give her the copy I had found.

As I read the poem to Lois and gave it to her, we began to reflect on those years so long ago. Pastor Jim had been God’s gift to me in my earliest years. I could see how God put him in my life when I was in my mid teens to give me Hope. His sermons always pointed me to Jesus Himself and for a moment I could see Him in the messages. His Godly influence continued until his death only a few years ago. Then, 16 years ago when we started Celebrate Recovery, Lois said to me she’d like to pray for this ministry if I were willing to keep her informed of the needs we addressed. Only yesterday did I see just how continuous these two have been for me. I told Lois she and Jim were a second set of parents God gave to keep me focused on Him and Him alone. 

God is so AMAZING! I loved having this connection come together yesterday and reflecting for a moment on God’s faithfulness to us even when we only for a time see darkness. God is always with us! Today I give Him PRAISE!