I’m always amazed at the effect of winter on folks. The shortened daylight, the gloomy weather and the cold get to folks in a sad, negative way. We have had a large number of foggy days for this time of year and I know this adds to the depressed state. I don’t care for winter myself, but I know the importance of winter for the sake of my garden and yard. As long as I have plenty of gardening catalogs coming in the mail, I remain content!

Last night’s lesson in Celebrate Recovery was Sponsor. The lesson emphasizes the critical importance of this role in one’s life when dealing with anything we want to overcome. One attendee stated in share group following the lesson that none of this has worked for him even though he’s tried. I know this young man quite well and it saddens me when I hear him speak such a message. When he introduces himself, one of his struggles stated is pride. As I journaled this morning I was asking Jesus if there is anything I could do for this man beyond what is taking place? I was brought back to reality when I heard his message reminding me how pride has interfered with my own recovery.

Pride kept me in secret most of my life. I could feel good that I was honest, but I was honest only with what portion of my story I’d tell. The rest of my struggle was kept in secret. It was too humiliating to tell THAT part. An amazing thing about Jesus is His patience. He just waits until we finally get to the point that, “OK, I’ll admit that too.” God is never done working with us and I love this about Him!