Already there

 You knew our story before we were born.  You knew we would make choices and there would be plenty of possibilities for pain.  You also knew that through pain can come renewing, that You would always show up to offering us healing, redemption that comes with repentance, a healing that makes us stronger, not harder, and a clearer reflection of you.  I need you more.  The fast was good, followed by confirmation that I need you.  I smile now, oh Surprise of surprises!  Oh, how I need you!  The fast is not so that I can turn back to my old ways, but so that I can move forward in closer relationship with You.  Thank You, Lord, that You are an ever-patient gentleman, always ready to hold my hand on this journey. You see me already there, already the person You created me to be, having done what You created me to do.  And you are patient with my floundering ways.  Your desire is to say, "well done good and faithful servant", and You stay focused on that.  

What is this life all about?  Learning to bear with love.  To bear all that others were allowed to do against me, all that was done against my children, and to forgive with no bitterness.  Lord, I want to say to You, "behold, I am Your handmaiden, "Bearing with love", that I may receive Your power to bring good out of evil."  How amazing, how great a blessing, what a position!  Lord, do this in me:  first overcome me, transform me, and in Your power may I shift atmospheres- both physical and spiritual.  Thank You, Lord, that in You, Through Christ, I already am, and I already can.

1 Corinthians 13 &14:1

Colossians 3: 13

Ephesians 4:2

Bear with each other and forgive