Starbucks and Jericho

So I was standing outside of Starbucks a few nights ago - wrapping up a cell phone call so that I could replenish my life sustenance: green tea. While doing so, I said something about 'psychotic jerk' and a man passing by me to enter the great provider of life (Starbucks), said "No really, I am a nice guy." I burst into laughter, ended the call and walked into the coffee shop.

Once inside this same gentleman came over, put his arm around me and said "No, really, I am a nice guy." He confirmed his suspicion that I was indeed talking about an ex-husband and then went right into a chronicle of advice.

The main point of his warm sermon was this: Pray like you have never prayed for your ex - fast for him and do as it was done to bring down the wall of Jericho (7 times, 7 times, etc). After having an amazingly spiritual conversation, while in line for my necessary green tea, we exchanged information so that we could meet again and discuss my situation. (He having been in a similar one for many years...)

Well, this brings me to the point of my story. We met tonight at Starbucks again. We spent an hour sharing stories and spiritual advice. And the long and the short of it is this:

I am going to spend the next 7 days fasting (a part of each day) and praying for my ex-husband. I am going to do this as an exercise in Christ-like love for my ex-husband. While I do this I am going to dedicate the entire spiritual journey to the desire I have for 'the way to be made clear.' In other words, however God wants to bring peace to this situation and reduce the amount of time the kids have to deal with their dad, is fine. I am not asking for any specific action or result. I am just (1) having faith in His Will and (2) attempting to gain a true Christ-like love for my ex-husband as it is what we have been commanded to do.

I am so excited to do this... and I know that I will gain a greater appreciation for the love our Savior has for me while I do. I spent hours upon hours praying for the ability to forgive my ex and then for my own heart to be restored. On both of these accounts, Heavenly Father has granted the miracle I sought... so I see now it is time for the final step - a true Christ-like love for my ex-husband as I should have for all mankind...

It is my hope and prayer that as I do this, I will be brought closer to my Savior and my Heavenly Father and that through mercy and obedience a way will be made clear for my children.