There's an amazing room in our home with a section of wall running along the south edge of our property. It spans from east to west and is outfitted with six windows where I grow our plants and garden starters each spring. During this time of winter, when our outside temperatures regularly sink to the single digits, the sun falls far south in our sky and we are rarely dazzled with its brilliance. Nevertheless, there are days, like today, when the heavens open and the entire room is engulfed in light and warmth.
Feeling a bit under the weather this morning, I arranged my chair so that I sat directly facing these windows, allowing the sun to beat down against my pale skin. The rays soaked into my face and I lost all my concerns, momentarily. Such bliss.
Then, quite suddenly, the unexpected happened within my spirit. And before I could stop it...
I wept.
And I prayed for...
The longer I sat in front of those windows, the more prayer requests flooded from my heart. And while uttering each name before the Creator, such an emotional weight was lifted...my petitions were heard.
- A friend and classmate from our old church and university in Texas, Jenny Bizaillion, who contracted pneumonia not even two weeks ago and is now in ICU on a ventilator. Her family was notified this morning that they must amputate her legs this afternoon at 3pm.
- My cousin, who is now on his way to Iraq (after the Fort Hood incident in November where he was stationed).
- My uncle who has had 14 back surgeries and who lives in unimaginable pain every day of his life.
- Our friends, Matt and Shelly -- Matt is heading to Haiti tomorrow. Enough said.
- Stephanie Nielsen who (with her husband) endured a horrific plane crash and still faces a long road of pain and healing.
- My dear friend who is recovering from the shocking loss of her husband which left her the single mom of four children.
- Many friends who are currently job-searching and in need of immediate income to help sustain their families.
I traded my sorrows for joy today.
And I am grateful and humbled for the light and warmth and love I experienced as I whispered my prayers in the light of the sun.
I’m a joyful woman who wears many hats, including: wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, friend, teacher, librarian, and follower of Christ. I’m also an ex-public school teacher turned SAHM turned unschooling mom. Our little midwestern family is tremendously grateful for the liberties we have to home school, 
10 ♥ thoughtful comments ♥:
Amen and Praise be! I love moments like this.
Have you read "The Shack"? If not, it is must read. While listening to it I had so many feelings just as you described.
God Bless!
Some days, you just feel *heard*. And that is a feeling to hang onto, during dark days when you aren't, so much.
Me, I'm spending today trying to feel worthy. Not sure why, but I'm rolling with it.
Precious post. I should have prayed more today and worried less.
Thank you my sweet friend, I love my moments in His Sonshine (especially when they are in Sunshine). Your prayers were truly heard as I am at peace with this trip no matter what happens during it. God has us in his palm.
I am firm in belief that we get so busy sometimes we just can't feel him listening, and he gives us these simple times, just to make sure we are aware that each and every time we pray, we are his sole focus. God is with you, Shaye. He knows your worries. Place them on Him, and His peace will envelop you. He says we know no peace like His!
So glad you had this moment today. Hoping all who read it can experience that same release!
Please know our prayers are with you. Hang in there, Sister! Prayer works!
My prayers come out at night. In the small hours. When I can not sleep. A lot.
I liobe to think of the times my kids will "tuugle" in my bed and talk to me until they fall asleep mid sentence.
There is no better place to fall asleep than in my Daddy's arms.
Shaye~
As I was reading your post I felt so sad for the ppl you were praying and thought to myself, and I have it bad.
Then I read you paragraph about your friends that are currently looking for work to support their families. You have no idea what this meant to me, as I don't know if you know Jim is still out of work and has been 7 months. I SO needed this, even if I am very blessed more than the others you talk about in your post.
But THANK YOU anyway!!! It meant a lot, even if it wasn't exactly me you were talking about. :)
Shay
Beautiful post reminding me about the importance of centering prayer in your life. Well written my friend.
Beautifully written, words from your heart. One can feel the compassion with which you prayed. Thank you for being such a caring , loving human being. Take care.
Shaye, this was so...peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing the purity of your heart with us. It was a blessing! <3
Post a Comment