Thankful for My Son's Generosity

It has been my my practice to take a chapter of Proverbs from the Bible and to pray it through for my kids. I would read each verse and pray the topic of that verse for them and nowadays for friends too. The exciting thing about this approach is that in Proverbs every concern in life is dealt with, so I am able to consistently pray about their attitude to work, friends, folly, alcohol and many other things.

Recently while visiting my son who is away in college I observed his reaction to the homeless where he lives. I was surprised and full of admiration at the respect, kindness, and generosity he showed each that came to us asking for money. Every time he had a kind word, a gentle manner and a dollar or more.

A verse I often pray for him is "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD, and his good deed will he pay him again." Proverbs 19:17.  I feel that God has answered the prayers I have offered up for my son that he would be a kind and generous person.

It is ironic that I am his parent and I am supposed to set the example for my son but his example put me to shame, since I talk Christian virtues but he showed me what it is to live them.

I am thankful that God has blessed my son with character and with values that reflects a Christ likeness in his heart.

I am grateful to have seen the results of prayers prayed for him, and I feel more resolved to pray diligently for him.

Thankful for Another Person's Kindness.

The other day I was trying to get my art studio in order so I could make progress on some new projects and designs I am working on. I decided it would be helpful to stack some crates to make some shelves. I had a few and after about an hour got them arranged and things put in their places. It was not perfect- I needed about two or three more to make my design functional.

On my way home from my "honest job" at the grocery store I made the decision that I would bite the bullet and buy another crate. I normally would wait for a sale or a coupon but I was feeling if I didn't finish the organizing of my studio it would never be workable.

I reluctantly went to the store which sells the crafty stuff and found the unfinished crate used for folk art. It was not on sale and I didn't have a coupon so I was not happy about paying full price. I got in line and said a silent halfhearted prayer, something like, "Lord should I buy this or not?"

A moment later a woman came up the line asking people if they wanted a coupon for 40% off of one idem. I thought she worked there but she was a customer and had too many because the store would only let her use one on a purchase, so she was giving the rest away. "You are an answer to prayer," I told her as she gave me the coupon.

It was a little thing but I am grateful for it and that our God is the God of the little as well as the big. I am thankful that God hears my prayer no matter how weakly muttered. I am thankful that I can be confident of God being with me wherever I go.

Why I am Thankful That There Was Nothing To Worry About.

I am a parent, which means I worry. My kids are in their late teens and early twenties and they are mostly grown up. They can just about fend for themselves and get along in the world. Yet every time one goes out my door I wonder if they are going to be all right. I wonder if they will become victims of crime or get into an accident, or somehow lose their way in this complicated world.

I PRAY.
Every sensible parent should pray, and I do. I pray for each of my kids. I have no control over the events of the world and the things people do, but God does. No matter how much I love my kids God loves them more.

TODAY
My son had two job interviews today, and that is an answer to prayer. At first we thought one of us would drive him to the interviews him since he is new to driving. However we had to work at our jobs so we gave him the car. I imagined all kinds of dire scenarios, where he would get lost, or miss the interview or the worst case- a car wreck. During the morning I said several prayers for his protection.

WHEN I CAME HOME
I came home and I confess I walked over to the car he drove and looked for any new dents. In the house my son was wearing his good clothes which he put on for the interview and was watching TV- alive and well.

He reported that his only problem was he got a little lost but made it to the interviews.

THANKFUL
I am thankful that my son navigated the road, the map, and traffic safely. I am thankful that God watches over him when I can't. I am thankful that God has given me prayer and he answers prayer.

Thankful For A Good Dentist

I had to take my daughter to the dentist this morning. It was a stressful situation because I had to teach a class at 9:30 AM and I would be embarrassed to be late not to mention that it is bad to have some one else watch my class of kids.

So to prayer I went. I asked God to work it all out. We got to the dentist office ten minutes early. I worried that there would be a long wait, but after a few minutes we got in. The dentist took the stitches our of  my daughters mouth and every thing seemed OK  So we left and I rushed her to school. I was impatient that I had to go in an sign her in but that is the rule. There was someone ahead of us and I was afraid there would be a wait but they got done right away. I had a fast drive to the church where the school is taught and was actually early.

God again answered my prayer. I am thankful I can pray about anything. I just wonder why I don't pray about everything?

Thankful For My Son's Success

For months my son has had problems getting his driver's license. It is a big deal since he is in college and he needs it for ID purposes. It is even more of a big thing since it is a rite of passage.

He has taken the driving test once before and failed because in Maryland you have to "Parallel Park" the car within two minutes and be within 1 foot of the curb. It was discouraging to him and a real let down. We have been practicing parallel parking with various success. I was feeling that I was not giving him enough practice. Today before going to the Department of Motor Vehicles he practiced for a little while. He kept missing the space and was putting the rear tire on the curb. Two or three times he got it perfect, but more times he was frustrated.

His mom took him down to the Motor Vehicles and I prayed. I prayed several times. After about an hour and a half my other son answered a phone call from my wife, and delivered the message- Joey passed the test.

I am very proud of my Son for not giving up. I am proud of him in so many ways. I know he struggles with the difficulties facing him in college and the future beyond. I am proud of him.  I am thankful that God answers prayer. I am thankful that God is part of our family.