Trish and I read an incredible, instant classic last summer that melted itself into our heart and life. A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller was intentional, narrative, poetic, simple, and profound all in one little blue wrapping. But its impact on my life has far left the words scrolled on pages, and moreso imprinted itself in my world.
I was reminded of it last night, when my dear friend and Charlotte dad, J.D. Lawson was talking about prayers and tithing and money and philanthropy and hardship. At a time in their life when tithing made the least 'sense', they started. They were married and out of the military and now new Christians, when financially everything seemed to collapse. But they felt called and convicted, so the giving began.
In the same season, he was alongside the road and his car broke down. He was so angry he shoved the door open, smacked it closed, and hissed at the engine. Then, in one movement he laid his hand on the engine and prayed over it, got back in the car and chugged away. It wasn't until he stopped at the stop sign that he realized his car was even working. And... prayer was working.
I left last nights table full of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for the comfort of the home of my Charlotte mom and dad, whose door is always open and in whose arms I can always find a hug. Thanksgiving for the friendships that seem always available and open handed and happy and rejoicing in me. And thanksgiving for the reminder that prayer does work, and God is involved in life, and Christians can encourage the faithful.
Thank you, JD, for being the faithful and encouraging me with your stories, and prayer.
No comments:
Post a Comment