I smile

Thursday we prayed for a friend who is hurting, angry, and struggling. My heart aches for her and I prayed that although I feel ill-equipped, that God would use me in any way He could to bring her closer to Him.

This morning, I got a call from her with a last minute request.
I called back to confirm that I could, and she said how thankful she was that I would be there with her.
I knew in that moment, God was working here.

Just a little while later in the car, I heard "I Smile" on the radio.
Love that song. As I began singing to the music, two things came to mind.

First was Freddie. I met him a few months ago when taking some pictures for our church newsletter. His story is amazing, and yet his smile is even more so.I can only say that because of the gratefulness he has for God's love that met him in the darkest place. Pitch black dark.

His grateful heart radiates through him and is infectious, almost crazy. He is joyful. Period. I loved meeting him and think about him every time I hear this song. It reignites my gratefulness for the healing and new life God has given me. I would never have gotten there on my own.

Secondly, I thought about this morning. He cares about each one of us, and those we care about. God opened a door for me to spend more time with and love on a friend, a friend who desperately needs Him.

I smile that He answers even small prayers, and encourages us with one another. As I smiled and sang today, I also cried and prayed that one day soon she too will sing these words...

Lost and all alone
Looking for a reason for being
In this crazy world
Trying to go on
Looking for the answers
To the questions
And there You were

From the moment You appeared
Everything became so clear
I'm so glad that You're here, Lord

I smile when I think about
The way You've turned my life around
I smile when I think about
The happiness in You I've found
I'm so amazed at what Your love has done
And when I think the best is yet to come
I smile!
I smile!

Wandering the dark
Lost in the confusion
I thought I was losing my mind for sure
I searched with all my heart
Looking for direction
Something to believe in
And there You were
And You were reaching down to me
You were everything I needed
I'm so glad You found me, Lord

'Cause You've turned all my gray skies
To the brightest blue, yes, You did
And my life feels like sunshine
And it's because of You
All because of You.. I smile