To be honest, I've been in a bad mood most of this Thankful Thursday. It's difficult to think about what I am grateful for when I am mad. I don't have anything serious to be upset about especially considering my evening.
I was meeting my husband for dinner at a little place near our home. On my drive to the restaurant I was praying to God to give me clarity as far as what He wants me to do with my life. I asked God to reveal Himself to me...
The restaurant we went to is rarely busy, but tonight was a different story. The parking lot was packed. We thought it was a good sign and were sure people were finally catching on. When we entered the restaurant there was a table serving about a dozen people. The waitress suggested we quickly put our order in ahead of the group. (Apparently they all drove separately hence the full parking lot.)
As I glanced over to the group I couldn't help but notice a girl I haven't seen in about 10 years! She was in my divorce recovery "singles" group. It took me about 5 seconds to remember her story and the anger she had regarding her ex-husband. I couldn't remember her name for the life of me. I have been in her house! I noticed the whole table looked like the group I was a part of not too long ago. I put myself in their shoes for the entire meal. Oh, do I remember those days! I bet they were going through the motions. I am assuming they didn't want to be there. It was as if they were missing their other half and were trying to gear up for a good time but really wanted to be home (with their spouse) and not with these strangers. They couldn't believe their lives had come to this. I wonder if they felt out of sorts? They were all together, yet probably felt alone. There weren't a lot of conversations. Anyway, my heart ached for them.
I feel badly because it upset me so much watching them that it ruined my dinner. I was sick to my stomach. And worse than that, I never even went over to say hello to this old friend... (who was obviously still hurting after all of those years). I am praying for forgiveness as I type this.
Then I thought of this song that ministered to me WAY before I ever heard any Christian music.
God never gave up on me! I was never alone.
I'm not sure what I can do right now besides pray for these heart broken men and women and be grateful to God this Thursday evening for the precious gift He gave me by hand picking my second husband of almost 7 years. I take him for granted too many times. Not tonight. I am thankful for not being one of those asking for "separate checks".
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
He revealed Himself to me this evening... and I'm not mad anymore!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo
9 comments:
Ah, Angie, I needed your post tonight - being grateful for our husband:)
Isn't it interesting to go somewhere and run into such a group from years gone by. I'm glad your life is so happy now - even if Thursday was a lemon - Love J
You have the sweetest heart. (even when you are mad!) Thanks for the reminder in your post. We do have much to be thankful for, even when we don't feel like it.
How are your sisters and nephew?
blessings,
karen
Hi Angie,
I guess I haven't been by to visit all week because I hadn't seen these posts. I will pray for your sisters and your nephew, and for you to be able to love on them and minister to them. Life can be so complicated and painful at times. I really don't know how people survive without the knowledge of God's love and the hope that brings. Don't be too hard on yourself for not speaking to this woman I think some days we are just too raw and vulnerable to reach out. But we can always speak to God and praying for her is an awesome & eternal gift!!
Praying for you,
Kelley
Amazing how God reveals things to us!
Well, Annie, how does it feel to have two real Annies and a pseudo-Annie right here on one spot? Angie, aka Annie, aka friend, your prayerful heart is so dear, your insights and compassion so evident. Have fun tonight and enjoy the beautiful weather and golf. Love, Annette
What a powerful reminder to me of just how far that God has brought me! This post spoke to me on so many levels, for so many different reasons. Thank you for sharing, and thank you God for your marvelous grace in my life.
peace~elaine
Hi:) I got a link to your blog from the siesta fiesta blog and I think I have been by here before, but it has been awhile. Love your posts and I will be visiting again. Looking forward to meeting you in August:)
Hi Angie
My family just left this morning so in between laundry and putting the house back together (smile, I'm enjoying catching up on what's been happening with my blog buddies. Hope your Sunday is good.
Hugs!
Kat
jolts in our life are so unwelcome when they happen. death, divorce, troubled childen, financial crisis then we see the but....but God mercifully got me from there to here, He didn't leave me. it's just (i'm speaking for myself) that the wounds can seem fresh in the flash of a memory.
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