3/15: first and last

overslept for morning prayer on tuesday.  UGH.  i think the thing that really bothers me was that i heard my alarm, and i woke up, but i blatantly decided not to go b/c i felt "too tired."

interestingly enough, tuesday was a pretty unproductive and lazy day, a stark contrast to the past week of days that all began with morning prayer.  hmm.  conexión interesante.  at the end of the day, i decided that tuesday morning was not only the first but it would be the absolute last day i'd miss morning prayer during lent.  absolute last. 

yet, i think it was good for me to miss it b/c at day's end, i saw the weakness of my flesh and how much i really do need God at the beginning of each day.  i need God.  i need Him every hour.  i need Him not just during the active afternoon, but also in the wee hours of the morning.  i need Him.  in a way, im thankful that tuesday morning's "failure" occurred b/c the manifestation of my flesh in the form of laziness allowed me to see how desperately, radically, and uncompromisingly i need to seek God.  guarding my intimacy with God and growing in my relationship with Him is the only way to finish strong.

one straightforward praise for tuesday: dinner with a particular life group sister.  i tried all new recipes again.  the chicken and veggies were fine, but the carrot latkes were such a waste.  another first and last from the day.

"Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots" and "Gingered Carrot Latkes"

im thankful because God answers prayers, and He answers in His sovereign timing.  i've been praying for God to bring peace and reconciliation between me and this particular sister for almost 6-7 months.  in the beginning, i was hoping God would answer my prayer faster, but God is sovereign and i see now that the elongated span of time was necessary for the both of us.  im thankful that God gave me peace and surrender during the months of waiting, and im thankful that God truly did bring complete understanding and union between us again.  all in His sovereign timing.  thank You, God.  you're always listening and you always know what's best.