Monday, September 22, 2014

My dear God,

I had to say yes to your desired will or no.  My mind wanted to say no because the challenge was too hard but my heart spoke to my mind reminding me whose love moves us to grace.

I had prayed hard to rise above stormy weather.  I knew I could go it on my own and drown as the weather worsened or I could climb in your boat and weather the storm with you.  As I reflected, prayed, and loved you back, I said yes and your sweet peace came as quickly as it took me to affirm my commitment to you.

When the storms of life appear, sometimes we get miffed at you for allowing hardships to come.  But why?  Why do we do it?  I am convinced storms provide opportunities for us to draw closer to you, to feel your loving arms around us, and to learn valuable lessons of faith.  If we take the difficulties and shift our perspective, we can recover new information.  That information can lead us to believe there is always a gift in the storm.

Today I found the gift in my own situation.

Loving God,
thank you
for revealing yourself
to us.
Thank you
for reminding us
we are children
of a
merciful god.
Thank you
for prodding us
to receive
the gift
and fulfill
your will.

Love, Andrea