Underestimating an Overachiever...

The other day something wonderful happened. I was concerned about something. I prayed all day long for a good friend who needed wisdom and grace to deal with a situation. My friend was being faced with a situation where openness and honesty could cost something, but it was a situation where openness and honesty was desperately needed. A situation where being open and honest was the right thing to do (as it usually is!). I prayed for my friend to have courage to be completely honest, but to have discretion to also be kind and gracious while being completely honest. It was a step of faith that my friend was taking and I admired that. As I joined with my friend in praying for the situation, I felt my own faith being stretched as I waited to see what God would do. My heart was racing as I dialed my friend's phone number that evening. Unsure of whether my friend would be saddened by a less-than-desirable outcome of their meeting, I was preparing myself to pick up the pieces of a downcast soul. I tried to read between the lines as my friend's voice greeted me over the airwaves. I timidly asked, "How did it go?" "Good." Good?! Really?! I felt my own heart lift as I listened to how the Lord had answered prayers and blessed my friend in this situation. I was bubbling over with joy and thanksgiving at this lovely ... uh, ... surprise. In my glad rejoicing, I felt just a little bit of shame when I realized that I was actually SURPRISED by this answer to my prayers. Why was I so surprised that God would answer in this way? Am I such a pessimist and do I have such little faith in God that I am so pleasantly surprised when something good happens? When God answers my prayers with a resounding "YES!". If faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, then my faith must be unbelievably microscopic! Shame on me for being one of such little faith! And praise God for being so faithful to one such as me!