I watch for the gifts. Every day I notice the little graces that God sends my way. Over and over again, I am thankful for life, and love, and grace. Over and over again, I am thankful for shelter, food, running water, and toilets that flush.
This week my mind has been somewhat distracted by one thing – a request of a special grace, an abundant blessing. I have anticipated this for years, prayed for weeks, and prayed fervently for over a week.
And I am still waiting for the answer.
And in the praying and in the waiting, I have received many unexpected graces. And I thank God for these:
507. a deepened closeness to God
508. a reminder of my dependence on Him
509. wrestling for days at the motive behind my request
510. affirming that an answer of “no” would in no way reduce my hope in the Lord
511. knowing that I seek to know God more than I seek what He gives
512. knowing that God is most interested in His glory
513. trusting that God allows trials to mold us into the image of His Son
514. trusting that God will bring me through any trial He allows
515. faithful prayers of intercessors
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him: it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. – Lamentations 3:24-26
We think the wait will end tomorrow.
We take nothing for granted.
We continue to pray. Our hope is in the Lord.
In hope,
Shelli
This post is linked at with the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience as I share my list of One Thousand Gifts.
About Shelli Bourque