Just a thought...

I came home the other day and Cooper had drawn a dinosaur on his chalkboard. Now, I not one of those parents that thinks his kid is extraordinarily gifted. Matter of fact, one look at this picture and it is obvious that Cooper is no Rembrandt. Although, this dinosaur could be considered abstract, Cooper is no Pablo Picasso. But, this dinosaur was amazing – to me. While others may look at it and think, “I know 2 year olds that can do better than that (Cooper is 3).” To me, I get it. I love it. Why? Because it is my kid and he drew it for me. I don’t care about how well he used his colors or if the he was able to make the picture perfect. It did not matter to me about the line or form or shape. I did not even think, “It’s ok but analysis of your composition shows that the viewers eye is repeatedly led out of the picture. You should really make better use of shapes, both positive and negative, to lead the viewers eyes into and around the picture.” What a jerk of a dad I would be if that was my response when this little version of me showed me his work. He tried. He gave it all he could and he did it to connect with me. It was beautiful.

I believe it is Richard Foster who compares a child’s drawing to our prayers. God is not concerned about our structure or how eloquently we turn a phrase in our prayers. He is most concern with why we pray what we pray. If we try, give it all we have, and attempt to connect with Him, then to God our prayers are beautiful. Too often we can feel that our prayers are inadequate and lack power. It is often said that the power of prayer is not in the words prayed but in the One who is prayed to. Just remember, as you pray, to God, it is a beautiful thing that He treasures like a father treasures his son's drawing.

So I took a month off from blogging and pretty much thinking. We enjoyed getting back to Mississippi to visit family but it was also nice to get back in Austin.

I am so glad that 2009 is over. It seems to have been a difficult year for a lot of people but now it is 2010. Now I realize that it is just another day, another week, another month. I know there is nothing magical about midnight on January 1 but 2009 was difficult AND it served as a great growth time for me and my family. Now, when we look back at 2009 here are things we will think of:

1) The year started out with me not having a job and us living at my parent's home.
2) Highland Colony Church in Madison, MS was very generous to us by allowing me to come be the interim youth pastor.
3) I thought I was going to be hired for my dream job in Arlington, TX and work at a church less than 5 miles from the NEW Cowboys stadium - but I was not and was disappointed.
4) I thought seriously that I would end up working at McDonald's and realized that I would be ok with that. We had come to a point of true surrender to God.
5) I was offered a position in a great church but knew that was not God's plan for us. I declined and wondered if I was destined for McD's.
6) I interviewed with another church which we loved but weren't crazy about the area. Again, realized that was not God's plan.
7) We met Southwest Hills Community Church and knew what God had in store for us.
8) We moved to Austin, TX.
9) I had the privilege of being a part of the Westlake Chaps - great season!
10) We got pregnant and it's a GIRL!

When I write it out it does not sound that bad but living in the moment of each of those steps was difficult at times. So, now we leave 2009 in the past and look to what God has planned. Try living life understanding that God's plan is not to harm us. God is for us. Welcome to 2010!