Psalm 116: 2 (NLT) “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

Judy Blume wrote a book, hello God, it’s me Margaret or something like that–I remember reading it–Judy Blume had written these books about middle school stuff–and (I recall that) as I was reading it I felt so “grown up”.  This book gave me the impression that God would be there and listen to me.

As and adult (30 plus years after reading the book), I am beginning to realize the importance of giving thanks for each moment.  That my internal dialogue will be a continual prayer.  That I would fill my mind with things from heaven and not from earth.

I don’t fit in most places.

I’m ok with that.

I make choices for myself and my family that may not be popular–but I really don’t care, because when you seek approval from others and worry about what the world will think . . .

you put people before God.

I have this image in my mind of God cocking his head, leaning in to listen when I speak to him . . . thank you God, in everything, I will give thanks.

In everything , give thanks . . .

• I chose to keep myself accountable to the Lord.  (I tell my kids “you worry about you–not the other guy”, I’m taking my own advice.)
• I am thankful that the Holy Spirit shows me the value of keeping quiet.
• When I lose my temper (and I do!) I am thankful that I have another chance.
• When I slam doors (and I do!) I am thankful that I have passion, but really need another way to show it.
• When I put the TV, computer, my knitting, this blog, a book or other distractions before my vocation as a wife and mother–I realize how blessed I am, then joyfully go about my tasks.  All the time giving thanks.
• I will work hard not to be jealous and envy–even when . . . she has a bigger family, a nicer car, is skinny, she has a more successful   blog, perfect kids–I need to remember that God has given me exactly what I need at this time (not what I think I need/deserve).
• I am broken and God has blessed me.  Because I am blessed, I see “broken” differently.
• I seek balance in my choices.  I seek clear boundaries.    I seek grace.

Thank you God for always bending down to listen as I pray, ask, beg, seek, cry, and surrender.

Thank you.

I took longer than 5 minutes to write this Five Minute Friday Post.