God of the details

At our church we are in the process of calling a new priest and in the meantime we are having visiting priests help on Sundays. So two weeks ago we had a visiting priest filling in on Sunday. As usual, our whole family, kids included, went up to take communion and I noticed that the priest was praying a special prayer for the children who came forward. I don't know if he always does this or if it was something special he did that day. What really amazed me though, were the prayers that he said for each of our kids (paraphased below). If you know our kids, you might agree.

For Elena: That she would be able to see Jesus clearly and know His reality.

For Joel: That he would be a strong and courageous warrior for Christ and his kingdom.

For Ethan: That he would always hear the call of Christ.

For Camila: A prayer of blessing on her young life.

What amazed me was how suited to each of my children's personalities thse prayers were. This visiting priest didn't know that Elena is my practical realist, already asking specific questions about dying and heaven. He didn't know that Joel is always wanting to be strong and pretending to be some kind of warrior (knight, samari, super hero). He didn't know Ethan's sensitive heart and tendency to get distracted by his own thoughts. I knew that these specific prayers came from the leading of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing to know that God knows my children (and each of us) so specifically.

. . . . . . . .

Today, I have been catching up on the Beth Moore biblestudy that I've been attending at church. (I missed a few weeks to have Camila :-) ) Anyway, the study is called, A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place. The study focuses on "God's persistent desire to relate to his children" as seen in the building of the tabernacle in the Old Testament and ultimately through the true Tabernacle, Jesus Christ. At times, I must admit, it really isn't very exciting studying all the details God gave to Moses about exactly how to build the tabernacle. I mean who really likes to read Exodus, Numbers and Leviticus again and again. At the same time, every week I learn something or am reminded of something about God. Today, after answering many detailed questions regarding God's specific design for the clothing of Aaron and the priests, this quote stuck out to me and I wanted to share it:

". . . God is detailed. He is not a God of generality. He is a God of individuality. Do not let Satan convince you that God is not actively involved in the intricate design of your life. God has not missed a single stitch or left a stone unturned on your behalf; furthermore, His activity in the details of your life most often displays His glory and beauty.

Do you avoid sharing the details of your life with God? Do you avoid asking certain things of Him because they seem too trivial? Intimate relationships are definded by the intimate experiences shared. Look for Him in the details! (p. 133) "

The questions she asked touched a chord in me and I realized that currently a "detail" I'm very concerned with is how and when I will have to return to work now that Camila is born. In light of the bigger things, like the fact that she is beautiful and healthy and HERE, it sometimes feels like I shouldn't be so obsessed with this "detail". I know that many moms have to go back to work even sooner than I will, and I think I should be grateful for what I know I have. BUT, I still find myself wanting more time. Lately, though, I've been feeling convicted that I need to ask God for what I really want and not something less. It is good to be reminded that God cares about the details in my life, that nothing is too trivial for Him, AND He is able to meet my every need.

So, how about you, do you avoid sharing the details of your life with God? Do you avoid asking certain things of Him because they seem too trivial?