Most of my day at Helping Up Mission is scheduled — classes with clients and meetings with staff. But there are also daily impromptu meetings with both.
Typically such meetings with a client usually involve a concern at HUM or problems at home. So when Kevin grabbed me yesterday, I was prepared.
After years of drug use and alienation of loved ones, Kevin first arrived for our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program in 2013.
While he didn’t really work recovery like we advised, Kevin did stay clean 6 months, reconnected with his kids and got a job. But, then, he got a paycheck, got high and was gone!
When he returned 9 months ago, he seemed a lot older and wiser! At age 50, this last relapse really affected him and I was now talking with a different K!
And he stayed different. There’s been frequent sharing of thoughtful spiritual insights in class. The smile on his face communicates likewise.
While here, Kevin also decided to go after his State of Maryland High School Diploma. He earned it in 7 months.
So, when we talked yesterday, Kevin said, “There are so many good things happening in my life, I just had to tell someone!”
He talked about how he thinks and reacts differently these days, his relationship to his children and prospects for work.
Kevin was actually proud that – when on a recent job interview where things weren’t as advertised – he was actually able to say, “No thanks.”
He’s just plain excited about how well spiritual recovery is working for him. It was a great meeting with Kevin – think I’ll try and schedule a few more like it!
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director