Thanksgiving

Dear Lord,
although this event is a tragedy and crisis in our marriage, we acknowledge that there are many that suffer far more than we do, and even in a situation such as this, we can be grateful that things are not worse.

We are thankful that we don't have associations in common with her. We aren't likely to run into her at Church, or places we frequently go. We are thankful that she did not make either of us sick because of her lifestyle choices. We are thankful that she wasn't a family friend, whose loss and betrayal would make this pain greater. We are thankful her absence now is not a source of pain to my husband. We are thankful that the Holy Spirit guided me to the truth, so he didn't spend years developing a habit of deception, or me distrust and suspicion. We are thankful that You, Lord, put it on his heart to avoid her before I intervened. We are thankful that she has not as yet come after the family out of anger or revenge. We are thankful neither of us are staying out of obligation, but because of mutual love. We are thankful that our son is too young to remember going through this. We are thankful for the strength and graces you have bestowed on us. And most importantly, Lord, we are grateful that you have kept us together.

Thank you, Lord, for giving us this opportunity to grow in Love for you and each other. This is a very hard test, but we pray that with your strength, we shall not be deficient. We are giving all we have to get through this, and know that You will make up the rest. We know that people do not always get what they deserve in this life, and sometimes good people suffer for some greater reason that only You can see. We know that this evil in our life is not because You don't love us, but because of our weak and imperfect love for You and each other that allows sin to continue.
We ask, Lord, that you give us strength to embrace our cross, and become better and holier from its presence in our life. May how we handle this crisis give glory and testament to You, and by our example, bring others to know your compassionate Love.

We love You, Lord. Show us how to Love you and each other more perfectly.
Amen.