Today I went to church. I don’t go often, but I went today because some special people were leaving and today was their last day to be here.
Captains Tim and Cheryl Gilliam are the pastors who are leaving to Maryland. I met them shortly after they came to Waco. I learned that my grandfather had preached to Tim many years ago and served as instrumental to Tim becoming an officer in the Salvation Army. As Tim talked of my grandfather, I saw that he loved him too. His love made him family to me.
The more I spent time with him, I realized that he was a true and loving person. One who really cared about people and the lives they lead. I found that he was a model for the person I wanted to be. But, why I couldn’t get there I don’t know.
I attended church now and again and every time he preached I was touched. He made me want to be a better Christian. Many of you know me and you’ll know that I have been fighting God for many years. Tim’s spirit caused me to take a pause and remind myself what my grandfather told me often: That God teaches us lessons by giving and taking away. Sometimes, we don’t want it to be so hard, but the lesson is so important.
Those lessons I still fight to understand–everyday.
Cheryl is another diamond. She radiates God’s light and being around her will blind you with God’s light. She loves the Lord and taught me a new way to express my love.
I was taken by both of them. I truly found people who were living and walking in God’s light. I always wanted to do the same, but for me, it is so hard. It seems I am surrounded by people who don’t walk the walk. My light is so dim compared to the darkness they bring in. So, when I am around the Gilliams, I find that I can feel my light expanding and breathing and living. I want that more.
Now, that they are leaving, I find times darker. Yes, I had my chance to improve my light and I floundered it by not taking advantage of their pressence. Yes, I would love to take that time back, but who knows…
Today, I fought back tears because I was losing a friend and a family member to distance. But, as I think about it, I pause to remember that God gives me Light and even though it feels better to spread the light with friends, I can do it alone because God is by my side. This point is what the Gilliam’s have taught me. Let your light guide you…Let others see it…Let God see it…and even when times are dark, God’s Light is still visible because it is in my heart.
To my friend, Bless you and most of all–Thank you.