sometimes we pray for things for a really, really long time.

sometimes we step out in faith, believing that maybe, just maybe, that's the place that God is moving us towards so He can answer us.

sometimes, even with the best intentions and the moving of our feet toward something, that prayer isn't answered.

so we pray on. we see another opportunity, we take it, in faith, knowing that listening to the urging of the Spirit is obedience. And, obedience is required. And, obedience is best.

And, still prayers can go "unanswered" from our perspective.

But, what I have learned in the daily trusting of our Savior, is that He never disappoints. In fact, He gives us better things than we can imagine.

I type this all out after a full, fun day full of friendship.

 I type this all out after a day full of answered prayers.

Who would have thought that, just as I wearied from waiting, Just as I was about to hunker down and stay content, that Jesus would thrust such grace in my direction? Who would have thought that my children would be brought sweet friendships with not one, but FOUR others? who would have thought that the waiting and sifting and searching and trying to be Jesus to others would be so wonderful in the process?

I'm saving this here so I can remember the One who hears. The One who sees me. The One who knows my depths and chooses to bestow grace in HIS way and timing for the bettering of my soul. I can never express fully how much the Lord continually cares for me in all the little ways. His loving-kindness is unfathomable.

I'm just so thankful that He chooses to answer prayers when He really doesn't have to at all, except that He is love, and He is joy, and He wants to lavish upon His children.

so here's a bunch of thankfulness for friendship that bestows books about Jesus to you as a gift while you show up with a meager gift of onion bagels that her kids consume before she's even had a chance to sniff them. 😂

Matthew 7:11
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"