I have more than 70 journals, stored in various places in my house. On a top shelf in a closet. On the floor in my office. Some have been read and gleaned and added to computer files. Easier to do a search there, rather than digging through each journal again!

I found some sweet drawings by grandsons. One was maybe eight years old and he just graduated from high school this year – 2024! The older brother was seven when he drew in my old journal and he is due to graduate from college this fall.

I am reading through each journal. There are notes from church sermons. Thoughts from that day. To-do lists for that day. Problems that I needed to think through, using my now somewhat well-known method of puking it out on the page.

I found notes about the first book I was writing then in 2010. I want to go back to that manuscript and read it. See if it's anything worth revisiting and maybe publishing. Quotes from a dear friend who has left this earth to be with Jesus.

I feel it's an important task. Already, there are ideas for more books and stories. If there are even five more books in those journals, then doing all this work is worth it.

Besides. I am finding some very prophetic writings. Words that I wrote that I've forgotten. Words that I am cherishing.

Words that have made a difference in my life and will continue to do so.

Satisfying.