My prayers are changing. They still
begin almost immediately after I silence the alarm.
Time
Out. Let's stop right here. Who ever named it an alarm clock? The word 'alarm'
is defined as "sudden fear caused by the realization of danger." I
don't want to be jolted from sleep by fear due to danger. I'd rather receive a phone
call greeting, or a gentle nudge, or have the scent from a fresh cup of coffee
lure me from my dreams to reality.
Once
in reality, despite my method of entrance, I arrive on the scene grateful for
another night spent resting comfortably, and another day filled with
opportunities yet to be discovered. My eyes and thoughts race to see which will
focus the fastest as I begin to talk to God.
Because
I am easily distracted (see paragraph 2), I have chosen to write down the names
and issues I sent to Heaven in prayer. I don't pray out of sudden fear, or even
the realization of danger, but because God has granted me the privilege of
downloading my heart to Him in prayer.
The
top of my list is Kassidy Terrio. I was teaching first grade in 2006 when
Kassidy was diagnosed with cancer. In our morning prayers, the students and I
would pray for the little girl whose story touched our hearts. Although I no
longer share prayer time with first graders, Kassidy remains in my heart and
prayers. Since her diagnosis, this brave young soldier has battled the disease
and its two recurrences, and has been in remission for eleven months! Whether
or not you are privileged to know Kassidy, I hope you join me in praying for
her continued health.
After
I pray for the people in need of healing, I pray for people I know who are
looking for jobs, comfort for families still grieving loved ones, and then
those expecting babies. And this is where my prayers have recently changed.
My
daughter Monique and her husband Frank are expecting a baby in early February
and have elected to find out the gender before the due date. The day after an
ultrasound gave them a peek at their baby, the couple gathered a few friends
and family members together to reveal the news. On an afternoon that couldn't
have been any sunnier, Monique and Frank lifted a lid from a large white box
and smiled as pink heart-shaped balloons gently floated to the sky.
It's
a girl! More specifically, Olivia Renee Roth. Olivia, because they like the
name, and Renee, in honor of Frank's deceased mother.
And
while you would be correct in suspecting the change in my prayers is the
inclusion of the name of my grandchild, that is only half of the story. Twice
in the past week, we have received news of women who were given incorrect
information during their ultrasounds. One friend, ready to greet her daughter,
was surprised with a son. Another went into delivery with visions of blue which
had to be quickly replaced with pink. So, when I pray for Olivia Renee, I also
pray for the doctor who informed Monique of her gender. If he's wrong, he will
need much prayer when he speaks to Monique. I may be the one to sound an alarm
for him.
Ronny may be reached
at rmichel@rtconline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment