One Thing

A story from the March Newsletter by Kayla

"I have to do one thing first." She said to me holding up one finger as she rushed down Colfax. 

I have heard that phrase before so as she said it I knew she wasn't coming back that day. I began begging God to keep her safe and that maybe next time she would be ready to get the help she needs. 

This friend has been talking to me about going to detox/rehab and getting a new start for at least six months. She has a beautiful heart and knows scripture better than most people I know. She struggles with mental illness and substance abuse, but I have no doubt that she is my sister in Christ. 

Earlier that day we met on the street in an embrace, happy to see each other again. She came inside and said, "Kayla, today is the day! I think I am ready to go to that place you have been telling me about." 

She got some lunch and sat down, and there was a butterfly necklace charm at the table as we sat down. She held it as a reminder that God is making all things new and she could have a new start. 

We went into the office and did the intake form over the phone for the detox house. They had a bed open so she could start immediately. She went to the bathroom and I went to grab something for her before I drove her over to the house. When she came out of the bathroom she walked out the door and started down the street. I chased after her asking where she was going. She turned around and said "I have to do one thing first." holding up one finger as she rushed down Colfax. 

She didn't come back after that one thing. 

We will be here when she is ready. 

That was a big change she was trying to make and big changes are scary. It takes so much courage to make a change. 

As I have been thinking about this and praying for my friend to have courage I have wondered what things God has called me to that I have said, "I have to do one thing first." 
Putting my phone down and being present with my kids, calling that person to reconcile a difference, branching out into a new volunteer role, giving sacrificially are some of the things that came to mind over the last few years. 

Lent is a time when people often fast from something. As I spent time with my friend's "one thing first story" I think that "one thing" is best thing to give up this Lent. 

Maybe God is calling you to something and you are telling Him about one thing you have to do first. I'm praying for courage for myself. I'm praying for courage for you. And I'm praying for courage for my dear friend and sister in Christ.