Answered Prayers are Awesome

I don't usually discuss religious matters in public. I am Catholic which by definition means I'm pretty quiet about my faith. The most I ever talk about religion out loud is with my first graders whom I teach RE at my church, or if I'm yelling "Jesus is watching you!" to my own kids when they are acting like heathens.

I have a very full life with friends and family from all corners of my world. I may not be the most traveled person in the real world, but I make efforts to keep up with my loved ones no matter where they live or what they're doing. First MySpace and now Facebook have amplified this fact tenfold but I was always that classmate/family member who drives or flies off to someone's baby shower, wedding, holiday party or even funeral. Small towns like Waco, Bryan, and Baytown, or awesome big cities like Pittsburgh, San Diego and Tahoe. Just give me a reason.

I've kept up Christmas cards with people I haven't seen in person in 10-plus years. It is hard for me to STOP corresponding with people, even when its probably expected. After my divorce it was actually hard for me to not keep up with my ex-family. But even now, 5 years later, I still facebook with several of them.

I love all the people I've kept in my life and I stay invested in the events happening to them, and this leads me to worry for them. And I pray for them. I get really emotionally involved if someone is posting they are having surgery, are divorcing, have gotten ill, or have a parent die. I see others post they will keep them in their prayers. Sometimes I post the same, and sometimes I just say a silent prayer. I keep following the individual until I see they are okay. I don't often say much more because Facebook is such a public place and yes, they might have broadcast their news, but if I'm giving prayers I just do it...and don't feel the need to announce it.

Lately thankfully I have noticed some of my prayers have been been answered. I go throughout my days checking in on people and thinking about people and here lately I have noticed a few things have been better for those I've prayed for. Not grand, over-the-top, huge sucesses but still important. A sick child turns the corner and gets better despite the odds (this one WAS grand!), someone's legal issues seem to be working in their favor, a friend's job search shows new possibilities, two people find love when they had all but given up.

The power of prayer is real. It does not have to be showy or loud or all glitz and sparkles. Even tiny upsides should be thanked. They are part of a bigger picture and a grander scheme. In my little world, I will do what I can for those I care about, and prayer is one part of it.

Thank God.