The Catch 22 of an Answered Prayer

If you read my previous post, Praying for Plants, then you'll understand how this is an answered prayer! Otherwise, click here to catch up!

Today I drove the quick hour to Grand Rapids (gas was even .25 cheaper per gallon than last week!) to pick up the plants from my mom's friend.  My mom read the Praying for Plants post, and happened to mention it in conversation and voilà! God was using people left and right to make Agapé a green and lush haven for us!!  I kept my hopes low until I actually had the plants loaded into our minivan (a FULL load!) but then I just burst out in praise! Oh Lord! You completely answered my prayers! Thank You!! You even provided the exact plant I had pictured, the schefflera (a.k.a. umbrella tree), in the size I thought would look best and EVERYTHING.  Lord, You are undeniably amazing.  Here they are, all settled in their new home.

Cat came along to help me unload.  Here's the new Norfolk Island Pine, paired up with one
of the few pre-existant plants of Agapé, a smaller NIP.  We thought they'd like to be together.

The schefflera, a ficus, and a peace lily.

Avocado tree (yes, this is what you get when you sprout an avocado pit, about 8 months of growth, so I was told)

A pothos vine, arrowhead ivy and a plant whose name escapes me right now...
This will probably get moved from this location, as all these plants like very low light.

A parlor palm in need of TLC - appears to have sun bleaching
on leaves, except that's not what it is...

I am excited to watch them thrive in the new home the Lord has given them, under my care :D

You know, though, it was weird driving home and praising God for the gift of the plants... 

What about all the unanswered prayers, Lord? Why would You choose to answer this prayer, and yet not heal Spencer's heart, or Karen's lungs... why not save that tiny baby or stir the hearts of our congregation into generous giving... why... 

and I could get lost in whys.  A certain Scripture is escaping  me right now ~ I can't seem to put my finger on it, but it says something like, "I have blessed him, and he will be blessed." Said by God regarding Job, I thought...  The gist being, it's God's prerogative to choose to bless as He sees fit.  His ways, after all, are so far from my ways... His thoughts so far above my thoughts... His purposes so deep and wide...  Oh Lord, please answer the prayers of my hurting friends.  Please bring my loved ones, Your loved ones, to You.  Please restore us all to you.... and please forgive me for so quickly becoming forlorn instead of thankful.  I am in awe of You.