Last week our two granddaughters were spending the night with us and Jadyn, who is 9 years old, was feeling a bit low. The reason?
Well for starters, her Grandma Paula was in the hospital having surgery that evening; it had been Back to School Night, which her parents had to miss . . . and lastly . . . simply because she was hurting . . . and her Mom and Dad were not there.
When it was time for bed, Jadyn came to my room and said, “Think I will just lay in here with you a bit.” Then without a moment’s hesitation, she climbed in, pressed herself into my arms and with no other words, drew from a single hug, all the comfort she was in need of. That night, the two of us dozed off, intertwined in each other’s arms . . . and we slept.
The next day as I was reflecting on the previous night’s episode, I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered Jadyn laying there in my arms. And then the thought came to me, “Why don’t more people do that with Father?”
Often times, we struggle in silence through some of the worse parts of our life…times that really weigh down our heart; and we find ourselves frightened and confused, maybe even a little depressed . . . but on we push, trying with all our might . . . just wishing we’d reach the end of the current crisis.
I often wonder how things might change for us if we would simply stop…and allow ourselves to feel Father’s embrace.
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Simple.
That night my granddaughter didn’t know how to fix what was wrong; she only knew that she was hurting.
But you know, thinking about it, there is one more thing she knew . . . she knew where to go to find a caring heart. And while I did not possess the answers to fix what was troubling her, she knew she could trust me and that within my arms she would find a refuge . . . a place where she could rest.
For you see, the emotions that we work so hard to hide can be very exhausting. They will wear us down and cause us to lose our sense of direction, purpose, or even joy in living.
One thing I have found though, when people are willing to take the step, and start drawing close to Father, they discover loving arms just waiting to draw them in.
And within those arms are exactly what they are in need of, a place of safety where they can trust. Trust a God who is full of grace, mercy, compassion and understanding.
So the next time you are struggling with something. . . think of the lesson of Jadyn.
For you see, to a child, climbing into Grandma’s arms was equal to climbing into her heavenly Father’s embrace. And all the good stuff he has placed within my life, Jadyn knows will be made available to her…she can be confident in that.
Are you that confident of your heavenly Father? If not . . . you can be.
Take a step towards him and give him a chance to love you through whatever it is that is causing you pain. He’s good at stuff like that.
And who knows, before long you just might find yourself drawn into his loving embrace . . . and you might even find yourself . . . finally at rest.
Anyways, I was just thinking . . .