The Bigger Picture

It really is not easy to let go of the "success" of our children, of others or especially of ourselves.  What is helpful as we go forward on that journey?  For me, it is not more turning myself inside out for some new approach or technique.  I do believe that while we have an important part to play in determining our own destinies, that is not the whole picture.  Somehow in the mystery that is also part of life, I do believe that ultimately our lives are in the kind and gentle and tender hands of God.  There is more to life than what we can see and manipulate and do.   I do embrace the mysterious twists and turns of fate that I believe to be God's leading and guidance and creation of us as unique beings.

For those times that I feel completely out of control and helpless in the reality of life, where do I turn?  I believe that God has graciously invited us to be a part of the bigger picture of life through prayer and communication with Him.  Again, prayer has many layers of mystery for me.  Still, I pray.  I am thankful that somehow we can be a real part of that big picture for both ourselves and others through our heart cries and prayers and listening for God`s voice through it all.  I do not think that there is one magical formula or recipe for prayer.  Sometimes written prayers are helpful.  Sometimes I pray through the Psalms of David in the Bible.  Most often in those still places of my heart I reach out to God, holding my love and my heart desires to Him.   Usually, I never really see what difference my prayers make.  Still, I pray and communicate as part of the heart of who I am.

Who really knows what happens to those deep heart stirring prayers and those rocket quick prayers thrown out to God through the day?  I'm really not sure.  By faith, though, I do believe that in the big picture and by God's grace my prayers are important and they do make a difference.
Sometimes prayer just comes when I am at the end of myself.  Most often these days prayer is my constant foundation of hope.  Deep down, I know God hears and welcomes all the communication I can give, both big and small.  I listen too for His words, that still small voice of quiet within that is His prayer and communication to me.  The gift of communication with the Creator.   That is what makes all the difference in that big picture for me.