Today was a good day of rest. There are times when I feel that God is testing me beyond my limits and then He gives a shady tree and some time to sleep. Today was that kind of day. I walked home from church and enjoyed some freshly baked apple pie with my best friend. She is a great baker and a great listener, so we always enjoy each other's company. God gave me friends that know how to cook. Really well, in fact. Another friend is a chocolatier..how much does God love me!! I cannot look at the family and friends that I've been blessed with and deny how much God truly cares about my happiness. He gives me people that pray with me, for me. Friends that feed me and encourage me to reach for better when I don't even feel like reaching for my bathrobe.
I still hit the valleys briefly when I'm tired, missing my mom or my children but the valleys are not the black hole they once were and I see the sun from where I walk. I am reading a book now about the power of prayer. The power of a praying parent is a comfort to both the one praying and the recipient. I found this out on the phone with my youngest daughter tonight. There are some people in her life that have been bullying her and my first reaction as a parent was not one of prayerful consideration. Still, as our talk progressed, I asked if she wanted me to pray for her. All I'd been learning came flowing out through me as I prayed blessing, forgiveness, peace and strength over her life. Something unexpected happened; God gave me the answers as I prayed for blessing on my enemies. Peace settled in where there was hatred and even though I will be on my knees again asking God for help with my attitudes, the blessing He gave was real and I love Him for how simple His love is to me. Surrender in return for life abundant. I love Him so much and I truly thank Him for the blessing of being able to pray with my children and knowing He will help when I'm unable. I thank Him for all the good He has given me on this day of rest and for the ways He's been teaching my heart to love and trust Him.
I still hit the valleys briefly when I'm tired, missing my mom or my children but the valleys are not the black hole they once were and I see the sun from where I walk. I am reading a book now about the power of prayer. The power of a praying parent is a comfort to both the one praying and the recipient. I found this out on the phone with my youngest daughter tonight. There are some people in her life that have been bullying her and my first reaction as a parent was not one of prayerful consideration. Still, as our talk progressed, I asked if she wanted me to pray for her. All I'd been learning came flowing out through me as I prayed blessing, forgiveness, peace and strength over her life. Something unexpected happened; God gave me the answers as I prayed for blessing on my enemies. Peace settled in where there was hatred and even though I will be on my knees again asking God for help with my attitudes, the blessing He gave was real and I love Him for how simple His love is to me. Surrender in return for life abundant. I love Him so much and I truly thank Him for the blessing of being able to pray with my children and knowing He will help when I'm unable. I thank Him for all the good He has given me on this day of rest and for the ways He's been teaching my heart to love and trust Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment