Attitude of Gratitude

This week - well, really for the last few weeks I've been overwhelmed by an "attitude of gratitude."

God heard my prayers (and the prayers of so many of my friends and family members, interceding on my behalf) in the midst of my searching and waiting. God brought a wonderful person into my life, who I believe is a gift of God for me at this time. Whether he is a friend for life or something more is yet to be seen, but we're both waiting patiently on God and staying open to the possibilities. Time alone will tell.

In many ways, I didn't see this coming. Yet, there were a lot of prayers and a few signs last Advent that made me think that something was around the corner. But I didn't want to get my hopes up. I felt God nudging me, calling me to TRUST. I struggled with the thought: Lord, do I really believe? Do I really trust? Do I really believe that you are faithful in your promises?

Of course, I knew God is faithful. God is always faithful, even despite my own unfaithfulness. I believed God would come through; but I worried that my own lack of faith might be a hindrance to what God wanted to work in my life.

I've had my doubts along the way; I've freaked out, and been tempted to turn back. But every time I am with him, his constant and calming presence reassure me. His gentleness and kindness win me over every time. God knows that this is just the kind of person it would take to break me out of my hiding.

I thank God every day for His faithfulness, and for the love God is showering on me through my new relationship. It is wonderfully new and fresh and exciting - a very different way of experiencing the love of God than anything else I have experienced up to this point.

Please keep us in your prayers: God's will be done!

This was a black spiritual that I learned from the women of St. Margaret's House this past summer and which has become my song and prayer lately:

THANK YOU LORD
THANK YOU LORD
THANK YOU LORD
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD

YOU'VE BEEN SO GOOD
YOU'VE BEEN SO GOOD
YOU"VE BEEN SO GOOD
AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD

I PRAISE YOUR NAME...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlfwA1E-7js