Gentle Guidance

I know many people who pray. Pray for strength, direction, freedom from this or that, etc.
And I have been witness to many answered prayers.

For the longest time I didn't pray. I figured I had "sinned" my way right out of heaven a long time ago, so what was the use. But I found myself at a point in my life where prayer was actually necessary for my survival. I had to re-think my stance on this. I had no other choice. I needed help and I couldn't get it from myself or any other person. God knows I tried.

It's funny too, because I began to pray very simple prayers at first. Then I started to pray more specifically when I found that my prayers were being answered. Today I still pray specifically, but I also pray that whatever I need to learn or whatever needs to be removed from my life (or allowed in for that matter) happens gently and effortlessly.

This is important. Today I believe that changing or growing (in Answer to prayer) doesn't necessarily have to be painful. So often things have to get terribly painful before we will accept (on faith) that change will be good. I'm beginning to realize that Joy can also be a Great Motivator. Its what motivates children to be so fearless. I have to remember how I felt as a child before cynicism and distrust moved in to replace optimism and hope.

May you realize your hearts desires gently and effortlessly, just knowing that there is Joy behind it.