Many of you know that we went to Disneyland for Michelle's 9th birthday last weekend. The forecasters warned us that there would be rain. We were king of glad because it would keep the crowds down on Sunday.
On our way into the park in the morning as we walked through the sprinkles, we stopped in the middle of Downtown Disney and committed our day to the Lord. We asked that our day would be full of fun, and that nothing would dampen our joy. The entire day went like clockwork from that moment on. We waited no more than 10 minutes on all rides. When we decided to stop for lunch we got settled in at our table with our soup bowl, and it started to pour. When we finished lunch, the rain stopped. When the lines seemed to be getting longer, we went back to the Disneyland Hotel (we had a room), and the sun came out long enough for the hotel water slides and pool to be open (pool is heated). Later, we went back to Disneyland and enjoyed short lines until we ran out of energy and called it a night.
I have to admit, I am not good about praying for the little things. My daughters (especially Rachel) have taught me well. Rachel will often stop us all in the middle of a frustrating moment and tell us to pray. I think God is really delighted to hear from us regarding all things. I think He really gets joy from the prayers of children, and he accommodates the prayers as often as He can.
It is like the relationship I have with my kids. When they come to me and ask for something meaningful, I really want to help them. I want them to have fun, and I am glad that they trust me and come to me for help. Sometimes they come to me and they are in pain. A friend has hurt them deeply, or something has not worked out the way they thought. I can't always take that pain away, but I can promise to love them , guide them, and help them work through the hurt. God can't always take away the pain, and sometimes we need the pain to strengthen us. I hope my girls are better friends to others because they have learned about hurt from a bad friend.
I am so in love with God and the compassion He has for us. He wants to cradle us in His arms and comfort us. He collects our tears. He knows our hurt. He wants us to be joyful again.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power. His understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Psalm 147:3-6
Feel His Love,
Sandy
P.S. Yes, this was the first time I went to Disneyland since cancer and surgery on my neck. Yes, I went on Space Mountain thanks to a talented neurosurgeon! Prayer Request: I have all of my scans coming up beginning of March.
