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Listen while you read: "Footprints Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Tom Hallman, Jr. is a storyteller. More specifically, he is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Oregonian, our state's largest newspaper. He specializes in warm-hearted, thoughtful, human-interest stories. As a long-time subscriber to the newspaper, I know that whenever I see his byline, I'm in for a treat.
I was recently so moved by one of his stories that I wrote to him to express my appreciation for his article. I was happily surprised to receive a prompt reply. He wrote, "I want to thank you for taking the time to write to me regarding my story. A writer creates in isolation and then sends a story into the world, having no idea if it will resonate with readers." He then told me that he had published a book with a collection of his stories.
I promptly ordered the book and began reading it straight through. One of his stories, called "Daniel and the Door", told about Daniel, who had led a rough life but began to put the shattered pieces of his life back together again behind the door of Room #402, his room in a halfway house. As I read about Daniel's Room #402, I had to stop and catch a quick breath because I also live in Room #402. I recently moved 20 miles across town to a cozy little apartment in a 55+ condo community a mile from my daughter's home. Just as Daniel found great blessing in putting his shattered life back together again in his little room, I am also finding great blessing in my own little space. But it is with quite a difference. Rather than starting life anew as Daniel was, I am gathering up any loose ends as I begin to wind down my life, aiming to finish it well.
(Interestingly — and coincidentally — my granddaughter's college dorm room is #204! There seems to be something sweetly symbolic about the bookends aspect of these reversed numbers bracketing our life's journeys — she just starting out in life as I am nearing the end of mine.)
God's all-encompassing knowledge of us is almost too much to comprehend. How blessed we are to know that He keeps complete track of each of us in this world of millions of people.
Matthew 10:29b – But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. (NLT)
If He cares enough to keep track of even the little sparrows in this world, He can certainly find me behind door #402. How has He shown you His deep and personal care — as though you were the only one that He had to care for? Thank Him for this blessing upon blessing!
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, we are so grateful that You know all about us and even know exactly where we are — in our own little "Room #402". Thank You for Your all-encompassing, never-ending love and care for each of us. Amen.
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Great story, Gail.
Thanks, Gail, for such a cute story!
Thank you for a touching devotional.
Thank you, Gail, for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Thanks Gail. All the best in your move. God bless you and stay safe.
Gail,
Another helpful devotional. I always enjoy your writings.
Thank you, Gail, your devotional is very good. The book sounds very interesting also.
Such a wonderful devotion. Thank you. I will forward to others.
Blessings.
Thanks for your thoughtful piece on room 402.
Have a great day following the leading of our Saviour!
(Canada)
Thank you for sharing.
I, too, am on the way and find many little reminders that God is with me.
Bless you.
Gail,
It is comforting to know that God knows our room number, and everything about us. Thank you for your illustration and scriptures.
Well, Gail, this devotional you wrote for today may be my very favorite. Tom Hallman may have a way with words, but you do as well and use it to God’s glory.
Thank you.
This blesses me this morning as it appears on my computer screen! There are no coincidences with God, only appointments where God chooses to remain anonymous. Much love to you always, Gail. Excellent reminder.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection. I, too, am in the end stages of my life and aiming to finish it well is a wonderful goal.
God bless you on your journey.
(ON Canada)
Dear Gail,
Thanks for your usual inspiring Devotional! It really touched my heart today. I felt His hand on my life after a chaotic day yesterday!
Blessings and Joy,
(Ontario)
Hi Gail,
Thanks for your interesting article! During this pandemic, it is great to remember your words, “Thank you for Your all-encompassing, never-ending love and care for each of us.” Thanks for the reminder!
Blessings.
Hello Gail,
Thank you for your special writing this morning. We need be so grateful that our loving Lord is ever present and knows every single detail about us. His care truly is constant.
May you continue to enjoy your “Room #402” and the Lord’s never-ending blessings.
Gail,
Your devotional today touched me deeply and kick started my day feeling a fresh breath from God!
My road back to God could also be expressed in some room numbers, like 201…over the last 22 years.
Blessings!
Good Morning Gail
I really enjoyed your devotional, and you are so right, it can be overwhelming when we sit back and think of all that God does for us.
Enjoy your Room 402, that is amazing how God arranged that room for you and that reading for you also.
God bless.
Thanks, Gail, for your sharing story.
It reminds me of the many times I moved and started over again.
Finding new joys and meeting new friends, but always being blessed by God’s presence.
Keep up the good work, and thanks again,
(Quebec)
After a month without receiving Presbyterian Canada devotions, due to a server problem. Needless to say, I feel so blessed to receive this oh so timely devotion. Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you serve our Lord and Savior in your new surroundings.
(Texas)
Thank you for your devotion. It’s only a number but we live in a senior condo in #204 and it is the best room in the house. We are the most blessed couple in the world. Why did God choose us? Not because we were good, far from it, we were faithful, and we chose God and have had a wonderful life and We ask God to bless you richly for your devotions.
Thank you! For reminding me that God IS watching over me and mine. Our teenage daughter has decided she is moving out to go and live with her relative 6 hours away. I have been really bummed about the whole thing… but this. I felt such a wave of comfort reading it. Thank you for the reminder.
If He cares enough to keep track of even the little sparrows in this world, He can certainly find HER in the city.
Thanks for a good and thought-provoking word today Gail. I think it would be very hard to go on, day by day, without the knowledge of personal relationship with God through Christ. What a lonely and pointless life it would be.
I’m glad you are settling nicely into your new home. I look forward to reading all about all the exciting new opportunities God is going to bless you with as you continue to serve him where he has now planted you.
Blessings.
Dear Gail,
How interesting that your devotional comes today after the devotional about “God speaks” and the reminder that God is there for all of when we most need him. I shared that devotional with a friend who is going through a tough time.
I know you struggled with making this move from your earlier devotional and it is so good to hear that you are now embracing it and “gathering up the loose ends”. It is amazing how God is there just at the right timing and gives us comfort and wisdom which we need. When years ago, a friend had told me to watch out for the similar things that happen that God is trying to get my attention and tell me something important. After that I became much more aware of God helping me and guiding me. I loved this devotional and the message that we are all so important to God that he figures out how to get his message across to us so that we can then share our faith with others. May more blessings come your way.