I wasn’t really thinking too much when I read these words from Hebrews 4:15-16 this morning:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (NIV).

Then, I was reading something totally different, anonymous quote in a devotion: “The longer I live, the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.” Whenever I walk into a classroom or onto a racquetball court for that matter, I try to be proactive and create what I think will be the optimal situation to be successful. With lots of prayer and meditation hopefully my vision allows for His will.

I will pack a lunch today as I go off to teach. I will pray for Lori, Marie, Lisa and Melody in Morocco. I will stretch (just for a second so I can say I did it) before racquetball. Yet, as I pack my lunch for school today, at least for me, it’s because sometime ago I didn’t and I didn’t like the result. So I pack. I go to my knees because I let Him into my heart and I want His desire to be for the safety of loves ones. His Book says I should “approach the throne of grace.” Even the good works that I intend to do are a manifestation of my faith in Him.

Maybe the 10/90 percentages aren’t quite right. But I sure do a lot of reacting, and I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s just interesting that I would ever choose to not pray constantly. He has been through much more than I ever will. When it comes time for me to react, when it comes time for me to prepare, may I do so with my heart in His hands. Not just in time of need, but in all times of thanksgiving, too.