Gratitude for the Gardener

Good morning, God.

Thank you for this day and all the surprises that lie within it. I love that You come to me when I least expect it. I love that You are faithful to remind me that You are present and hear my prayers. Today, as I left carpool at the elementary school, I was struck with how this day, this life is what I have always wanted.

I have a big family now, with five beautiful children who are healthy and independent and creative. I have a husband who loves me with a passion as big as Texas and is not ashamed to show it. I have a roof over my head, flip-flops on my feet and freedom from the 9-to-5 workplace so that I can take care of my home and nurture my family. I can write prayers to You and pour out my heart. I can slice strawberries in the morning light.

Yes, God, I am thankful for strawberries -- ripened fruits strewn across the cutting board as the sun's rays stream through open blinds. This fruit is for dinner tonight and I have the luxury to slice them while I am relaxed and mindful and sipping my morning coffee. This new lifestyle You have blessed me with lets me say "good-bye" to preparing dinner in a rush, harried in the kitchen between tasks and taxi-driving, with one eye on the clock and the other eye on the child searching for sustenance in the pantry. I can take my time and simplify. I can be present in this moment. I can praise you as I work.

Thank you for bringing my attention to the blessings You have given. I never would have imagined this was the path I must take to this family, this love or this closeness to You. In fact, I think I hollered at You quite a bit in the midst of my storms. I didn't want a divorce or a fractured home. I didn't pray for custody calendars or step-mom status. I hated the financial crisis and the faith struggles and the depression You carried me through.

But You, O Father, are wise. You are the Caretaker of the bigger picture, the Creator and Narrator of my life and the Gardener who gathers strawberries in the spring.

Praise be to You.

Amen.

Genesis

Dear God,

I am so afraid to spread my wings and live the life you have called me to. I am nervous about stepping out of this cage and putting my personal prayers in a public place. I am reluctant to relinquish control and let the Holy Spirit carry me ... completely.

Please guard this blog with your wisdom and your love. Help me to reach women who want to know You more. Help me to write with authenticity and compassion and grace. Help me to be faithful, to write consistently and to keep your Word at the core of each petition.

Touch the women who have found their way to this site. Give them peace and guidance and reassurance that they are not alone. For You are with them always, wherever they find themselves and wherever they go.

Amen.