Day 22

Thank You for the specific weaknesses or failures of the person for whom I praise You in Day 21 (Indifference? Lack of understanding? Harshness? Explosiveness? Undue need to control? Excessive dependence? Excessive independence? Failure to lead, failure to follow, failure to love? Lack of alertness and awareness? Other lacks or failures?)

I especially want to thank You for what You plan to do through the following things that disappoint me, upset me, or make me anxious ______________.

Thank You for Your ultimate good purposes in allowing these things. And thank You so much that these things do not make up the whole picture—that this loved one is also wonderfully made and has a bright side as well as a dull side. And I rejoice that You are loving and powerful, well able to change this person if and when and as You choose. Thank You that in the meantime You are working to change me through these imperfections that frustrate or grieve me…that my reactions to them throw light on ways I need to grow—to trust You more—and to meet my loved one’s needs more fully, as I let the Holy Spirit fill me with Your love and tolerance and peace.

To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead…I Peter 3:8-9