me-and-jamie1Dear God,

In spite of yesterday’s hair shenanigans, the day ended with a wonderful evening with Jamie (my financial planner from Chicago) at Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key (one of my favorite restaurants).  I woke up this morning with the phrase “show me the money” running through my head.  The phrase first became popular in the 1996 movie, Jerry Maguire, although I am not clear on its original meaning, for me it has to do with showing what’s real, showing the truth.  Remembering last night’s dinner, I am reflecting on Jamie.

I first met Jamie through some dear Tallahassee friends from New York who had lived in Chicago when they met Jamie.  It was around 2001 or 2002 that Ann and Jack suggested I meet with Jamie.  This seemed like a total joke to me because I didn’t think my finances warranted an “advisor.”  But Ann was adamant (as only Ann can be) and the meeting was arranged.

I believe that You, God are always putting the right people on my path (for whatever strange reason in some cases) but with Jamie, it has always been such an obvious blessing that You sent him to help me with money.  Although I haven’t always understood exactly how Jamie was “growing” my money and planning for my future retirement, I have been able to trust him because it has been clear from the start that he puts You first in his life and that he is a man of honor and integrity.

Jamie is a committed husband and father.  He has four children – one adopted from China.  And, his client list includes people from all over the country and at least one U.S. Senator.  It is good to know that my financial advisor is successful – I mean, after all, who wants a financial advisor who does not make money??  His business has grown enough that he and his partner recently acquired a jet plane to handle their business travel.

At least once a year, Jamie comes to Florida to visit with me and review “the plan” and show me how things are going and make suggests for any changes he thinks would be beneficial.  His advice over the years has helped me to remodel my home, payoff my car, and become debt-free (except for the mortgage).  But his visits are always full of good conversation about God and how God is working in his life.  God recently kept him safe from harm in a car accident (been there, done that!) and he shared photos with me of a friend (Stephen Curtis Chapman no less!) who he joined with to help build a hospital in China.

Thank You, God, for Jamie and for people like Jamie who live in this world with faith, honor and commitment to what is good and right.  Thank You, God for showing me what a godly man looks like so I might recognize the real thing when such a man crosses my path as a potential partner.  Thank you, God that Jamie does not tire of doing good and that he quietly goes about his life living it to honor You and standing as an example for others to see.  Thank You, God that Jamie doesn’t just “show me the money,” like in the movie but shows me the real thing, shows me Your truth.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.  Galatians 6:9