I'm finally feeling better after a week of lying on the couch in pain. I won't go into the ailment, but let's just say the pain was worse than having a baby, and about as awkward too. During this time, a friend had given me a bag full of used magazines to read. I was very thankful for them, as otherwise I would have been rather bored just laying there. My kids were here too, but they mostly just played quietly nearby, and were a big help to me. Anyways, in one of the magazines (Guideposts) there was an article about a guy who was a frequent flier and one trip he was unable to use any of his portable devices on the flight. He didn't know what to do with himself, so he decided to pray. He prayed for anyone and everyone, and before he knew it, the flight was over. What seemed like a long flight soon disappeared when he was engaged in prayer. He decided that in the future, that would be a much better use of his flight time than his iPod, laptop or other electronic device.
The lesson I learned was, that our world can always use more prayer. It not only helps the people being prayed for, but also gives comfort and hope to the person praying. I did have much time to pray myself last week, and felt not only the presence of God, but also felt lifted up by the prayers of others. I wish I did remember to pray more often, but it seems like the chaos of life just interrupts my solitude so often.
The verse that kept coming to me through the week though was 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10:
"And he (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (bold accenting my favorite parts)
The other part I'd like to share with you is a song that's been running through my head lately too. I found a decorative plate holder (with no plate) and was trying to think of what to do with it. I finally decided to use it as a book rack, and placed a songbook in my kitchen window so that I can sing while I'm doing the dishes (or anytime I'm at the sink, which is many times a day). The song I've had this past week, has been so encouraging to me, and I've been singing it every day. I love Andy Griffith's version of it, but this one by Selah is good too! Enjoy!
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
