By Cathi Thomas
Since writing the first prayer page of this site several weeks ago, I have
given much thought as to what I would like this page to be. I have come to the
conclusion that this page needs to compliment the rest of the site, but also needs to be
distinct. It is my prayer that this page will minister to and encourage the reader.
The title of this page is going to be “From the Garden Window”, for it is from
my favorite window that I have the best times in prayer as I look on my own corner of
God’s garden. |
A few
weeks ago a fire broke out on the hillside adjacent to our home. I first realized there was fire close by when I
began to smell smoke while eating my lunch. I
casually walked outside to peak and it was then that I looked with curiosity and fear at
the hillside so close to my home. The smoke
was so dense I could hardly breathe and I could hear the fire crackling as if I were
standing next to a fireplace.
A cautious peace settled in my heart, as I knew that God was in control, but the sight
before me brought several questions to mind. Should
I just go about my business, or should I watch closely?
I chose the latter and watched from my favorite window. The next series of questions dealt with what would
I take from my home in case of evacuation? I
had always said I would take my Bible and that’s it, but with the fire so close,
things looked differently. I studied my home
and realized that what really mattered to me was the photographs that cover my walls and
dresser. It was people and mementos of times
past that cannot be recovered or replaced.
Fortunately, the fire was extinguished and there was no need to make decisions. But I came away with a new awareness of me. I realized that there lies in me a need for people
in my life. Later I began to see a
correlation of what I have read so often in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t really
being slow about His promise to return, as some people think. No, He is being patient for
your sake. He does not want anyone to perish,
so He is giving more time for everyone to repent.” (New Living Translation)
“Lord let me not forget that when fire and danger approached, my thoughts went to You
and to the people in my life. Let me remember
that I am never far from You, that I am always in Your grasp and that You never let me out
of Your sight. Let me see people in that same
way.
When I see hurt and aches and pains, let me offer hope in You. When there is sadness let me offer laughter
through You. Use me to Your glory, not mine,
and let me touch people as You have touched me.”
I encourage you to touch a life today with a smile, compliment, or prayer.
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