Scripture: Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor (Proverbs 21:21 NIV).

My husband’s business, Hillman Marine, had a waiting list each spring to prepare vessels for the shrimping season. A winch powered by an ancient Ford engine pulled the boat out of the water onto railway ties. Then he and his hired men scraped the barnacles off its bottom, caulked its leaky seams, and recoated it with a special copper-based paint to retard marine organisms. Much of this work was done on credit, to be paid when the fishermen received their money.

During the first few months of our marriage, I worked at Shriners’ Burns Hospital in Galveston and organized his parts store in my spare time. My heart soon became dissatisfied with my hospital job, for, as Jesus taught, “no man can serve two masters.” Tommy, in an unexpected display of firm leadership, told me to give two weeks’ notice. I did, but winter was coming, and much of the season’s income had not been collected. Would we be able to survive? What about Christmas?

Finances became tighter and tighter. One day, we took in a total of sixty-eight cents. Then, the week before Christmas, one of our customers who owed us a great deal walked in with a $500 check. Unbelievable! What moved the man’s heart to share with us what must have been his own limited income? Without a doubt, we knew prayer had been answered.

Over the next several years, we expanded the store and established excellent credit with marine distributors. We paid our employees first, then suppliers, and finally ourselves, always careful to tithe from our portion. I sent customers monthly statements, watched the bank account, and computerized our inventory. Tommy liked to joke that we had a great partnership—he made the money and I spent it! Our accountant, astounded when he reviewed our books, said, “This is the soundest small business I have ever seen.” I absolutely believe God added His synergy, so that Tommy’s work plus mine amounted to far more than the sum of our efforts. We made many good friends and wonderful memories. God provided all the way.

Prayer: Thank you so much, Heavenly Father, for all the blessings You heaped upon our little business, our home, and our family during those precious years. Because You provided for us yesterday and today, my heart knows I can trust You for tomorrow. Amen and amen.