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When life is difficult

 

When I came home from work that day, Miranda (who was four at the time) was in her mommy’s arms crying.  There was a cut above her eye and a carpet-like burn right above her lip. 


I stopped to  ask what happened, but I never expected her to reach out for me. Up to that point, whenever she was hurt, she always wanted mom.  Mom was tender, patient, and comforting.  She loved playing with me, but when she was distraught, she wanted Mary. 

 

But, this day was different, even though she was sobbing uncontrollably, she wanted me to hold her.


With her head buried in my chest and tears running down her cheeks onto my shirt, we talked in whispered tones as she told me how she had hurt herself.  After she calmed down, we decided that the two of us should go downstairs and watch a movie.


As the movie began, Miranda crawled up in m lap. For an hour and a half, she stared at the television; and, for an hour and a half I stared at my daughter. I stroked her hair and whispered in her ear. In those moments, I wanted nothing more than to be with her and to remove her pain. 

 

My prayer is that Miranda would always know she has permission to climb up in my lap.  Not just when things are going well, but even when life doesn’t make sense and she is in pain.


I have tried to convince all of my children that they can come to me any time…sounds a lot like the invitation that Jesus gave us in Matthew 11 when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

Although it is difficult to believe, Jesus invited us to climb up in his lap, experience His embrace, and hear His loving whispers, even when things are tough. When the questions outweigh the answers and circumstances look impossible. When finances are tight and relationships are difficult, we can come to Him in confidence that He will accept us and help us through our challenges.


As His son or daughter it is our right and privilege to crawl up in His lap.  He promises to wipe away our tears, encourage us, and give us perspective. 


Even when we are weary and burdened we can receive His peace and rest.  That is a pretty amazing promise. 

 

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