Tears of Joy

Prayer is a curious thing, isn't it?

There are times when I feel like the more I get to know God, the more I realize that there are mysteries about Him and the ways that He works. Prayer is one of those areas. I mean, I know that prayer is important to God and that He chooses to make it a part of the way He works, but exactly when and why and how He answers prayer isn't always so clear-cut.

So even though I don't understand its intricacies, I continue to pray.

Lately I've been reminded of two dimensions that prayer brings out- not only intimacy in our relationship with God , but also closeness and sweetness is our relationships with others.

Several times in the past month or so I've cried tears of joy. Once was just yesterday as I watched a dear friend of mine get married. It wasn't just happiness for her that brought tears to my eyes (though I am definitely excited for her!), but the thought of the years of prayer that I have poured out for her and for her relationship with her husband. Praying for her brought me closer to her relationally and made my joy that much greater in seeing how God has answered those prayers.

Another tears of joy occasion of late has been seeing the Lord at work in the life of another of my sweet friends who has recently committed her life to Him. All those prayers I've prayed on her behalf have linked my heart to hers forever. When I think about all that the Lord is doing in her life, I can't help but cry- it's so exciting! And I'm humbled that God would let me be a part of what He's doing simply by praying for her.

So I guess this is just an encouragement to all of you who pray... It's definitely an investment. We may not always see or understand the returns involved, but in those moments when we do, we understand what a precious gift prayer is.

True community

Over the past couple years, God has really been stirring in both Kipp and me a heart for community- real community. It seems that both Scripture and life experience both affirm the notion that we were not meant to go it alone. God created us with a desire for community, and it's an essential part of loving, learning, and just enjoying life.

I'm reminded of this truth again this week. We had a rough experience over the weekend, and I've been amazed this week at our friends' outpouring of love, concern, and helpfulness. I've had friends from New Mexico to right here in Staunton call to check on me and offer a listening ear. We even had a friend call and offer to watch Keaton tomorrow for us so Kipp and I could have some time together.

Just the thought that there are people out there who care about us and are praying for us is humbling to me. What great friends we have! They inspire me to want to be a better friend. I'm praying that God will help me to be as thoughtful, compassionate, and helpful as they are. Thanks, guys.