Answered Prayers

Have you ever tried to think back to what you wanted for your last birthday?  Two Christmases ago?  It’s so easy to wish with all your might, discover the outcome, and then move on with life, forgetting the “Oh, I hope with all my heart” phase all together.
Last Saturday (just four short days ago) I was stressing over Angel Girl, wishing and praying for friendships to develop and provide a sense of belonging for her (F is for Football and Friendship, I Hope).  Yesterday an amazing thing happened.  The two girls that she wants to get to know better specifically asked her to join their group in a super fun school activity. That might not sound huge, but it is!  They came to her, she wasn’t in their shadows or on the fringes, they sought her out to be with them.  I was so happy for her!  My heart was soaring, yet it took a few minutes for my head to catch up.  Then, like a bright light switching on in my brain, I realized: THIS IS MY PRAYER BEING ANSWERED!

Their invitation wasn’t just a really good thing that happened, it was the dream I desired, it was exactly what I prayed would occur.  Doesn’t that feel good, when things go just right?  I have to remind myself, though, it wasn’t random – things go right for a reason!
My epiphany comes on the heals of another endeavor I recently began.  Taking a page from Aibileen, I have started writing my prayers.  I don’t write them all (I find that I have a lot of conversations with God as I’m driving hither and yon), and mine will not be anywhere near as eloquent as Aibileen’s, but I’ve realized that I love to write, so it might be just the thing.  The first page of my prayers begins with this scripture:
Be joyful always: pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.     1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am really touched by this one, partly because it keeps popping up in front of me from various directions.  I heard it in Bible Class a few weeks ago, then I wrote it in my journal, then I saw it in a card, then the preacher used it in Sunday’s sermon. Obviously, I need to pay attention to it!  Now I am sharing it with you.  I hope that no matter what your heart desires, you pray for it continuously, and acknowledge the outcome as an answered prayer when it is revealed.
I also hope that Angel Girl and her friends have a blast with their project and walk away true BFFs!