A Grateful Heart

Believe it or not, some of my most intimate moments with the Lord happen when I am in Abigail's room, rocking her to sleep. Sometimes I sing to her quietly, or sometimes I whisper to her and tell her over and over how wonderful she is. But most of the the time, I pray. Tonight, I realized why my prayers in her room are different than my prayers most any other time. My prayers in her room are ALWAYS prayers of thanksgiving. I hold her and squeeze her tight, and I thank my Heavenly Father who lovingly created her. I search my heart each night for words to express how grateful I am for the life that I have with my family, and the life that He has planned for us that we don't even know about yet.

I found myself praying for her spouse tonight. No, I am not trying to rush her out of the house just yet, but I think about all of the temptations that children go through in our world today and I want her to have a husband that respects her decisions. Even if they aren't the same as his. I want her to know that she is worthy of things that are good and she doesn't have to settle for anything less than extraordinary. I even pray for her teeth to grow in straight. I know that sounds funny, but I don't want to forget about her teeth by leaving them out.

It's during these quiet times of reflection that I am reminded of what's most important. I need God's grace to get through every moment of the day. I need it in order to handle my emotions, and I need it so that I can respond in a godly manner towards my husband and daughter. Sometimes I don't always exercise my ability to be graceful, but He knows I am trying.

When I lay her down in her bed, kiss her goodnight, and leave her room, I know that He is the keeper of her health. He holds what is in her dreams, and the breath that gives her life. I haven't always prayed, but I have always needed to. Knowing this, I thank Him again...for second, third, and even fourth chances.