…feeling a Bit Grumpy this morning, this old entry from an overseas journal (& a much younger Virginia)  made my heart smile (a little; getting over the Grumps is hard, even in beautiful Williamsburg! : )

Bethlehem, December 18, 1994

 Rejoice always in the Lord. Let your gentleness be evident to all. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.       Philippians 4:4

Lord Jesus, I come before you both anxious and depressed.  My life seems quite the mess at the moment with uncertainties, wandering thoughts… and now even car troubles to boot. My roots in You have become shallow & I am losing these battles, trying (or rather not trying) to look to You for strength and peace in all these things.

BE GENTLE.  Yet this crab liveth and walketh, trampling all in her path.

REJOICE.  Crabs have a hard time in that department.

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS.  I’m freaking out & I’m not sure I’ll be here much longer.

Lord Jesus, I place these frustrations before You… & ask Your forgiveness for not turning to You in ALL things, and for being such a grouchy crab.  Please fill me with Your peace and joy.  St. Paul said, “all things work together for good for all those called according to Your purposes.”  Show me Your purpose, Lord, in my life & please deliver more peace and joy…. (more grace & love would be good, too!)

in Your Name… Amen.

p.s.  an Afterword: the Car at that time was fixed (God is Good – All the Time!) & i ended up staying THREE MORE YEARS… so Grace & Love & Peace & Joy (on & off – it was a tough place to work!) did flow from the Heavenlies to & through this Cracked Clay Pot (isn’t it comforting to know that as our cracks get wider, there’s More Room for the Light of Christ to shine through?? : )

p.s.2… the older (hopefully wiser??) Virginia would have asked for more Mercy.. LOTS OF MERCY… as indeed she has already humbly asked Jesus this a.m.