Prayer of Praise

As I have been reflecting over the past few days, which I do from time to time, I am so amazingly humbled!  I can truly say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the difficult times that I have faced and come through (remember that wonderful word 'through' means you will eventually come out of it).  In all the adversity, sorrow, grief, and pain, I just want to thank God for allowing me to go through it all.  Sounds kinda strange doesn't it?  Before church this morning I had two different friends call with some things that they wanted me to pray about on their behalf.  I believe that God puts people in our paths at the time that we need them.  And it dawned on me that had I not gone through what I have then I would not be any good to these people.  It humbles my heart when people trust me with their secrets (remember 2 open ears and one closed mouth), when they tell me that they know when I tell them to call anytime they know that I truly mean it and am not just saying the words, that when I promise to pray for them that I will, when they ask for my advise, or just in general need a shoulder to lean on.  I praise God for everything that has ever happened to me because through it all He has been preparing me to be what I hope is a blessing to others.  Once again, I stand amazed in the Presence!