In God's Arms

       Perhaps the thing I miss most since my children are older is the wonderful feeling of holding a sleeping baby or young child.   There is something very comforting and serene when holding them in your arms and they fall deeply asleep.  Then they completely relax into you and it's like a little radiant heater goes on and they put out quite a bit of warmth.  And they smell good (most of the time).
       Holding a sleeping babe is so peaceful; probably because is such a sign of complete trust and love on the part of both people.  Also, they often seem like stolen moments from the busyness of the world, the noise, and the rush.  My mother told me to take the time to enjoy those moments.  She warned me that children grow up all too soon, that childhood goes by very quickly.  I have to admit that I really didn't believe her especially on those days when I felt like I was lucky to have the time to wash my face and brush my hair.  But even so, I tried to take time out to sit and hold my children, to read, to cuddle, and even to nap.
      As our children grow up, there are still times when they need and we want to give them that kind of care and attention, especially when they are ill or when we've been apart.  A couple of summers ago, I was in a car full of women in leadership positions, going off to a convention.  We stopped to pick up one of the speaker's octogenarian mother who greeted her with a hug and a kiss.  "You are never too old to be kissed by your mama," she announced.
       Taking time for worship and prayer can be like spending time being held, trusting in the love and grace of God.  It can bring calm and hope even in the midst of the worst things life can throw at us.  This is especially important for us to remember these day.  There are people who seem intent to spread fear and division among us as we come upon another anniversary of 9/11.   With elections coming up in November, there are plenty of other people who are seemingly fighting over which party or which candidate or program we should be afraid of (and therefore vote against).
        Certainly, there is more than enough to worry about.   The state of the world's economy on a large scale and the state of our own incomes and debt are scary.  As farmers well know, even when the crop looks good in the field, you're not safe until it's harvested and sold for a good price.  Disasters, whether natural or human-caused, are great at making us feel helpless and even hopeless.  Serious illness or injury to someone we love can do the same thing and all of our fretting and worrying will not change anything for the better.  I don't think any of us would have to look far or hard to find something that will keep us awake at night.
       Which is why it is good to remember that we are never too old or too much in trouble for God to hold us.  God's love for you is bigger and stronger than all of these worries.  God brings real and true hope even in the face of death and destruction.  It is not only okay to take time to rest in God away from these worries; it is good for you body, mind, and soul.  Whether you call it devotions, worship, or meditation, it can lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, and help you sleep.   Take some time to rest in God.  Read Psalm 131.