Answered Prayers

Every morning rising with the sun, a moment spent in prayer, with thanksgiving for restful sleep, with gratitude for another day . The prayer however does not end with just thankful words, but is always followed by a long wish list . Protection for family and friends, healing for those who are sick, blessings for children, loved ones and then sometimes, a request for forgiveness and for self improvement.

After the daily devotions, stepping out into the world of temptation, a life full of trials and tribulations , we forget gratitude immediately. Soon complaining, all graciousness forgotten, we plod through the day, discontent and dismayed, paying no heed to the hour spent in the Lord’s presence, nor to the commitment we made in His presence .

Dusty nooks and crannies , newspaper strewn all around, pet in the way, chewing your best shoe, family members uncooperative. The coffee is lukewarm, and breakfast is mediocre to say the least . Just as I survey this awful mess, the phone beside me rings like an alarm, a prelude to disaster. It is none other than the much awaited help, calling to inform she is incapacitated, laid up for the next few months.

The one small ray of hope, flew away on the wings of the butterfly, that had alighted for a moment, on my widow sill . After the initial concern for her well being it was all about me and my looming burden. The chores ahead , the long hours of toil that seemed to stretch for days, and not to mention the slow disappearance of my coping skills.. With no relief in sight, with a descending sense of helplessness ,wallowing in self pity, at the seemingly unfairness of life, I collapse in a heap .

Turning to the Lord I ask, is this Your answer to my prayer, strength for the day and peace within.? There was no instant reply , not even a whisper in my head . A while later, arising from a brief slumber, I look around hopefully but find no miracle, the mess is still waiting for me. I then realise, nothing is done and, nothing will be done, unless it is done by me .

Suddenly, galvanised into action, am bolting around, trying to finish the never ending chores. With an occasional snap at family members, who don’t understand this fever of activity and slink away quietly. Before long, there is some semblance of normalcy and a simple meal is ready . Then with remorse I look around at the faces of my loved ones, who patiently tolerated my tantrums and extended all the help they could, to make it easy .

The sense of gratitude for my blessings, then comes flooding back. I remembered the many who are lonely and have no home or family, who are weakened by sickness and age, unable to do any task, even to tend to themselves. Am I not then most fortunate, for the strength and health I enjoy, am I not fortunate to have a family to nurture, loved ones to care for, a home to look after . No longer complaining, my chores all appear less tedious daily.

And so goes the days, with my Lord’s promise ‘ My Grace is sufficient’ ringing in my ears, The spread on the dining table is now better, with the help of caterers and self, the floor is cleaner, the dust less dense and my complaints are fewer. Each day, rising with strength and fortitude, ready to take on any challenge, I set to work knowing I am not alone, but there is One who is stronger than I , within me. Though a better version of yesterday, I still am a work in progress, but I say thank You God, for answered prayers .