Those 8 Words

The bedroom door softly opened. "Momma?"

I was gently woken from sleep by a buzzed-haired 4 year old. "Hmm?" 

"Can you help me get back in my sleeping bag?"

"Okay."

Quick glance at the digital clock. 3:30am. 

Quietly we walk together into his darkened room.

He shows me his Buzz Lightyear sleeping bag, crumpled into a small purple-blue heap on the blanket-covered carpet. Easily I maneuver it back to its straight and flat position and tenderly remind him of the opening at the top. He slides comfortably back into the right spot with a tiny, gentle smile on that darling face. He snuggles back into position, head resting on pillow.

"I thought I was in the wrong place."

Those 8 words.

Oh, how precious that child is. I couldn't help but stroke the back of his softest, sweetest head and lavish on gentle kisses on those softest, smooth cheeks. Smiling to myself.

Not minding being woken up at 3:30am. On a Saturday.
Not minding the request being so very simple for me.
Just feeling absolute affection and care for this child and his need.
A need that, for him, was daunting and frustration to conquer on his own.
Yet for me, was something that took barely an effort.
But, how those words of soft plea absolutely warmed my heart and grew my tender affection toward my child.

The child was completely contented, need met.
The parent was satisfied to provide care for beloved child.
The child who had approached with a need.
They were drawn to each other through love.
And both were blessed by the interaction.

Simple.

And profound.

I lay in my own bed, smiling over my darling, precious child.
And thought of my own needs met by my own Father.

He "smiles" when He is approached by me.
When I am drawn to Him and trust Him to meet my needs.

It often seems to good to be true:
To be loved.
To be loved by God. 

God used this simplest of interactions with my own child: 
To remind me.
It IS true. I am His child. He loves me. 
And it is never more clear than when I approach Him and He can lavish that love toward me. 

And those 8 words: 
"I thought I was in the wrong place."
And the reassurance that can our Father can show us. 
That He has provided care, He will continue to provide care. 
Promises.
We need only ask, to be reminded.
And He will gently show us the path, guide us to safety and provision.

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

(Stuart Townsend)

How deep the Father's love for us.

How vast beyond all measure.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, 

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!"

(1 John 3:1)

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, 

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

(Hebrews 4:16)

"You Are For Me"

(Kari Jobe)

So faithful

So constant

So loving and so true

So powerful in all You do

So patient

So gracious

So merciful and true

So wonderful in all You do

I know that You are for me

I know that You are for me

I know that You will never 

forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come now

Even if you write upon my heart

To remind me of who You are

You fill me

You see me

You know my every move
YOU LOVE FOR ME TO SING TO YOU.

Kari Jobe "You Are For Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSMfL5LuSo

"I thought I was in the wrong place."

May you be reminded.

Or may your heart be opened for the first time.

Blessings, loved one.

Elizabeth