San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church "In Real Life" for Friday, 18 July 2014 "Gratitude Moments, Growing Pains, & Prayer" by Brenda Blake, Director, Church & Community Work

San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church "In Real Life" for Friday, 18 July 2014 "Gratitude Moments, Growing Pains, & Prayer" by Brenda Blake, Director, Church & Community Work
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and the things I am grateful for in my life.
Perhaps what prompted this thinking was an insight that came to me while I was writing my last blog entry about working through the fears associated with my then upcoming dental surgery. Along with the fears I was working through during that time about the procedure itself, I was also concerned about such things as who would I ask to drive me to and from my appointment on the day of the surgery, who might I ask to stay with me for the first night, and did I really want anyone to see me in such a vulnerable position.
For me, these things were huge concerns for a couple of reasons. First, I have very few family members in California so I was going to need to reach out to others for this help. Second, I have a very independent spirit and I didn’t want to need this help. And third, (this may come as a surprise to some of you who know me!) I am actually an introvert. So to ask for and accept this kind of help from others was going to mean that I had to open myself up and let others into my personal space.
I thought all of this over and came up with ways that I could do this without needing to ask for help -- like using taxis and not having anyone stay over. With all of that covered, I wouldn’t need to worry about anyone seeing me in this vulnerable position.
However, during that time I was doing a lot of praying about my fears and concerns -- lifting them up, giving them all to God, and letting go. It was in that space of peace that I decided I was going to challenge myself to open up, go out on a limb, and turn to my church family for some help and support.  
I am happy to say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Even though the first two days after the surgery are still kind of blurry, what I do remember is walking out and seeing a church friend there who took hold of my arm and led me to the car, constantly reminding me to keep my hands out of my mouth; and reminders from another that it was time for my next ice pack and to keep my head propped up on the pillow. There was the fun and laughter as I shared these moments with them in the days that followed.  
I am so grateful to be part of such a loving and giving faith community. I’m also convinced that the only thing that allowed me to open up and accept these gifts was that I felt guided through prayer to do this -- and I choose to listen.  
Brenda Blake, Director, Church & Community Work
-------