I guess all this reflection stems from my drive home from school today. Every Tuesday and Thursday Jessica rides with me. It's such a wonderful thing to have company on the long and monotonous route. But Jessica isn't just any old company. She's a true blessing to me! She listens to me babble on about whatever, encourages me, makes me laugh, thinks deeply with me, and she prays with me.
Prayer. That's another thing I've been thinking a lot about.
Last week on my walk with Tali, I felt so burdened by the overwhelming divorce rate in America and some specific situations of which I'm aware. Together, Tali and I sought God and begged Him to bring healing and mend brokenness in marriages and families. A friend like this seems normal to me, but I'm realizing what a rare find it truly is. There's definitely no one like Tali Rose. :)
I'm constantly rediscovering how very blessed I am.
Another example of this was Tuesday night at Tyler's. After our bowling trip, we went back to his house and sat on the front porch and talked. Tyler just turned to me and invited me to pray with him right then and there. It's so encouraging to pour your heart out to God, but being able to do so with another is an amazing blessing!
How much we miss when we fail to come to God in prayer as a community. Jessica and I talked some about this today. I was remembering my trips to Mexico and how they were so centered on prayer. None of that "I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time; I'll pray for you" - I'm not saying that's a bad thing - but "You need prayer? Let's pray right now." It was incredible being surrounded by people who were ready and willing to bring you before the Throne of Grace at any time.
It's been incredible being surrounded by friends here, in my hometown, who are willing to do so.
Still, it seemed easier, more real, more something that I can't quite put my finger on when I was there. If you're following my train of thought (good luck!), you may see how it quickly led me to wish that I, too, were on the Mexico team this year. As soon as I got home, I watched the DVDs from both my trips. I don't really want to go into that now, but I'm finding it is a wonderful and difficult thing knowing what you're supposed to do. Wonderful because it brings direction. Difficult because it sometimes means "no."
That's where I am. Still, I'm so thankful that God has brought me to this place. And on top of everything, He's given me an incredible excitement for those who get to share in His work in Chihuahua this summer! I can't explain it. Honestly, I'd rather be demanding my own way, but I truly feel a peace about the whole thing.
Prayer is a beautiful thing.
People who pray with me reflect True Beauty.
The only response my heart can even try to summon is one of thankfulness to the God who has given both these gifts among so many others.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." - James 1:17
God never changes. That's another thing for which I am exceedingly thankful.
Wow, Jessie. That's really all that needs be said. I know that sometimes these concepts seem so straight forward, but it's so easy to just say, "Ya, that's great!" and then go on with life. Just want you to know amongst what you are thankful for, to realize how thankful people are to have you as a friend. Your insight is eye-opening to put it plainly.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to see how impactful Mexico was, and I guess the fact that we were away from it all may have made us rely more on God through prayer, or something. I know the year I went and I'm sure the second year you went were just really good times. It is hard when God does not open a door like that. I guess the place we find comfort is in the fact that God has a better plan for us than what we want.....although it's hard to see why going to Mexico would not be apart of that plan. Sorry that this went so long :/, but I just want to let ya know what a blessing you are to everyone around you, near and far!
Thanks, Matt. That's very kind of you. :)
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