One Thousand Gifts
April 10, 2008
Greetings, Prayer Team!
Not too many days ago, I awoke early (or just on time). I live in the midst of a thriving metropolis—what most people would call a relatively dinky little town—and therefore sleep with all my shades drawn at night and my windows locked. I have one window, however, that remains uncovered no matter what time of day it is. It’s a small window, high on the wall at the end of my long and narrow closet.
Now, the house I occupy is an old one, built in 1910. My closet is long and just wide enough to walk into, with a delightful but odd assortment of shelves. It has no door, so I have covered the entrance with some sheer curtains left over from my dorm room closet, which also had no doors. And because the curtains are sheer, I can see bits of the early-morning sky through my closet window.
When I awoke early that morning, I turned and burrowed a little under the covers, looking out through my closet window. The darkness still lingered over the land, and I could see a giant full moon perfectly framed in my window.
Moments like that are not merely lucky—they are gifts from God.
In fact, I have begun to count them. In the midst of the trials that necessarily cleanse our hearts and teach us to rely on our God, He sends little love notes and breaths of fresh air to sooth and liven our hearts. I keep the list beside my desk, and I plan to record each gift I receive, whether from God or people, until I reach one thousand.
If the people of Camp MiVoden keep such a list, I imagine it includes their clear title to all five hundred forty acres. These days and weeks are critical for them, and we hope they could soon add a new sewer system (the plans are complete) and a building permit to the list. Please pray in particular for the up-coming meeting on traffic, as well as their building plan submission to the county board of commissioners.
In addition, we are grateful to have another education rally coming up, this time in Sandpoint. What an opportunity to celebrate and refresh our families and schools in building a godly heritage! We are now in the second phase of education rallies, meaning that each area around the conference has a second opportunity for sharing, fellowship, and learning.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
On behalf of Patsy Wagner,
Heidi C. Corder
Assistant, Office of Philanthropy