"Hope and Pray"

"Hope and pray"... I have said these three words many, many times in my almost 46 years here on this Earth. Please know that I am not talking about responding to someone's plea for a prayer to be asked in their time of need. I take prayer requests very seriously and yes, I do pray for those individuals who ask prayers of me.
What I am talking about happened last night at a little dinner that my family attended at a dear friend's house. Another family was invited and all us 'moms' were in the host's bedroom, looking at paint samples and trying to decide which color would look best on the master bedroom walls. (I consider myself to be hopelessly bad at choosing colors for my home..)
The host looked at me and said, "Mary, what do you think about these colors? Your home is so colorful and beautifully done."
I replied, "Oh my, thank you for saying that, but I usually choose the colors first and then hope and pray that they end up looking nice."
The host laughed, but the other gal quickly looked at me and said,"...and how did that work?"
I was confused and answered, "I'm not sure what you are asking me?"
She said, "So...how did it work? I mean the prayer and all? Did your colors turn out nicely because you prayed about it?"

Hmmm.....
A teachable moment for sure. I spoke about prayer and truly had no intention of actually praying for the colors in my home. You also need to know that this actually was a beautiful teaching moment for this young lady and I blew that as well. You see, about two months ago we were invited to her church for her anniversary party. When we arrived, we realized that her church wasn't a Christian church. They are called unitarianists. I hope I have the spelling right. They not only do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, but according to their website, they do not all believe that God even exists. They leave that up to each member of their church. Of those who do believe in a supreme being, they do not believe that he is concerned with our lives down here on earth and do not believe in prayer.

I so blew it. Even if I would have had a response to her, I should never had said what I said. So now...I am going to be more conscience of the phrase 'hope and pray'. I have learned a lesson. Isn't it amazing how much God loves us? I have added this gal to my prayers. I also need to write that at one time the dad in the family was Catholic. It so amazes me how we are given life's situations to learn and grow and fall in love over and over again with our loving God.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!