*Aha* Moment

So, bible study has been going phenomenally lately! Yay!  I'm loving it!  But the third day's reading was still eating away at me - let's just be honest here.  The whole "women need other girls as good friends..." thing was getting to me, and I think I let it get a little too far. However, God is so good and puts the right people in your path exactly when you need them (whether you think you do or not!).  My co-worker, whom I have become closer and closer to, helped me through it.  She is religious and has helped me in so many ways since I was hired in February (has it really already been 7 months?!).  Through everything that has been thrown my way these past few months, she's been there for me without question and I can always count on her - professionally and personally.  Well, she talked me through the commentary about needing a same-sex friend.  And boy do I feel so much better!  She helped me to see that just because I may not have that true 'best friend' in the moment, but it could be perceived as God helping me prepare and be ready for that friend when the time comes.  Let's face it, we aren't always doing everything the Bible tells us to do every single day.  Some things are in preparation of what is to come, and some thing are to help understand what has already happened.  I truly believe that it was God's way of telling me to be open to new friendships when they come and be open to the introduction of new girlfriends.  How exciting!  I'm always open to new friends, and have made many the past few months - between work and church and friends of friends...I feel totally content.  Although there are things I wish were different with some people, I cannot change others' feelings about anything.  I have to do what is right for me and to accept that everything changes, including people.  I'm changing as well, and I believe it's for the better (others may have different opinions - let's just leave it at that, okay?).  I'm growing and maturing as a human being, but also spiritually, and I couldn't be happier.  I truly love my life and know that I have been blessed beyond belief.  How many 24-year-olds can say that?  Not too many, let me tell you.  In the past year, I've experienced great grief, pain, love, joy, - I've gotten married, moved into our own cozy 'home' (our first official apartment picked out together), graduated college, gotten a job with my degree that I look forward to going every.single.day, and I get along so great with my co-workers!  Who wouldn't be excited about that kind of life at my age?!  I'd be crazy not to be truly thankful for such blessings being bestowed upon me.  So, that's where I am right now.  I had my 'aha!' moment, and I am personally, emotionally, and spiritually content (and excited!) with the journey I'm on and what my future holds.

Dear Lord, I want to thank you for another day of living and being able to see, hear, and walk.  I am blessed because You know me, understand me, and most of all forgive me.  You have given me so much and You continue to bless me.  You have forgiven me for everything I've said, done, or thought, past, present, and future.  Please shelter me from all evil and harm.  Guide me each day and give me an "attitude of gratitude."  Let me make the most of each day and clear my mind so I can hear from You.  Provide the wisdom I need to accept all things, good, and bad.  Don't let me dwell on the negative circumstances I have no control over.  Give me the strength and courage I need when I feel I've reached my limits.  Even when I don't pray, You listen to my heart.  You have a plan for my life, so guide me to do Your will.  Continue to give me your grace so that I can be a blessing to other people.  Keep me positive so I can provide encouragement to others.  I pray for those who are struggling and have lost their way.  I pray for those who haven't discovered You yet.  I thank you for my belief in knowing that You can change all people for the better.  There is no problem, circumstance, or situation in this entire world that is greater than You.  I give my burdens and struggles to You, for nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without You.  Father, I love You, need You, and want You in my life.  You don't give up on anyone.  Amen.