My Cycas Revoluta

. . . otherwise known as a Sago Palm, looks like a very short palm tree and also a very big pineapple. In keeping with the proverb that says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your heart.", I am a new student of the plants and other things in my yard. I figure since this big "pineapple bush" has welcomed me home every night for 12 years, it deserves to be called by its proper name.
With that preface, I would like to share some personal thoughts on an article I read about prayer. My longtime readers and friends already know me as a person who enjoys praying. I love talking to my Lord. Reflecting on the answered prayers of this last year has led me to the conclusion that prayer indeed changes things. Sometimes the answer to my prayer was "no", and sometimes "yes." Whichever answer it was, something changed . . . I changed. Thinking back over this past year, the most dramatic thing to happen was not an answer to prayer-it was better-it was something so good that I wouldn't have even thought to pray for it. It was a "chance" encounter with a dear friend. This one encounter spawned so many prayers, and tears, much joy and fellowship, and fostered new and wonderful friendships. Through this "chance" encounter with a dear friend from high school, I found out that our mutual friend was seriously ill. I raced to get back in touch with Our Mutual Friend, and found we had a lot in common, and very little had changed since the high school days of giggling together and passing notes in class. I was so happy to have my friend back, and I prayed daily that we could enjoy our friendship for many more years. So far, it has been one year, and it has been a great year for me. I am so grateful to see that God has answered my prayer . . . for this year, anyway. This special friendship has catapulted my prayer life, and also caused me to reflect on the answers I have taken for granted . . . such as the privilege of getting to know and love her family, and becoming friends with her friends.