The story...
I wonder how often I prayed when I was young and what I prayed about? I don't remember expectations that I knelt beside my bed with my hands folded together. I expect that I laid in bed making pleas for answers regarding the dilemmas that each day presented. I do remember sleeping on the bottom bunk looking at the airplanes that were on the fabric below the top bunk - I did often imagine flying. My needs were never fully met yet I hope I was mostly thankful for the what and the whom that were parts of my life.
I look back now with thankfulness for all of the life changes that came my way - the good, the bad and the... My relationship with God is closer than ever and my life is generally peaceful. I can imagine how God might enjoy me and our relationship. Yes, I greatly value my human experience and have inklings of how they might be valuable in the next life or realm.
Scripture confirms that God knows a man's heart better than any man does. It seems that God enjoys and responds to our conversations with Him. The only church in town will teach people to pray - to work out a right relationship with God the Father through our Savior our Lord Jesus the Christ. I'm so thankful that my parents brought me to church where I learned Who God was, what He revealed, and how to pray.
Just for today...
"As a child I seldom felt as though I had enough of anything - especially love , attention, and approval. It seemed no matter what my parents said or did, I always wanted more. As and adult I tried to get my needs met in other ways. I ate too much, thinking I could fill my empty spaces with food. I shopped in too many stores, searching for the elusive merchandise that would finally make me feel complete. I sought 'substitute parents' whose attention and approval would make me feel good about my life and myself." Hope for Today (p. 182)
"'Why are you saying your ABCs so many times?' I asked the boy. He replied, 'I'm saying my prayers.' I couldn't help but laugh. 'Prayers.? All I hear is the alphabet.' Patiently the boy explained, Well, I don't know all the words, so I give God the letters. God knows what I am trying to say.'" Courage to Change (p. 182)
No comments:
Post a Comment