Taking His Hand

After a long night, up with youngest son battling this cold that has decided to visit, I forgo my 6:00 a.m. rising time in favor of additional sleep.

Let's just say that the morning did not start out well. Before 8 am, I had already snapped at oldest son - ordering him to do something instead of petitioning him on the basis of love -

and well...I could hear the quiet, gentle voice of the One who purchased me with His blood reminding me that my day would only get worse if I continued to fight to "do it myself" instead of placing my day and all it would contain in His hands. And so...seeing that the boys were engrossed in their play computers, I slipped away to my room...

longing to flee to the quiet place of peace...and rest...and new beginnings -

that place that beckons me to the feet of the Lover of my soul.

- already I was missing my quiet time of communion with Him -

You see...

in my head, even as I made that decision to stay in bed for those extra moments,

I knew that I needed to consecrate my day to Him.

For without Him, I can do no good thing...

I knew that I would try to "fit it in" sometime in the day.

And so I "justified" my lazy selfishness to myself...

I knew that I couldn't do any part of my day on my own.

And yet I tried...

I knew that I would fall flat on my face if I tried to do it myself.

I must be one of those "slow learners" - thankfully He keeps teaching...

So this morning, as I spoke in harsh words to my son,

I could already feel what would become the frayed edges of my day

beginning to unravel,

and I ran...

straight to the feet of my Saviour and cried out for His help,

His mercy,

His love to be reflected in me,

(for how will my children see Him in me if I am full of only myself?)

This story has a pleasant ending. (smile)

After spending time in the presence of my Rock and Redeemer,

I am renewed and by His grace (for is there any other way to really live?) I am able to start afresh.

With a smile upon my face, I re-enter my world and begin...

breakfast.

It has turned out to be a blessed day -

one in which I know God's hand of mercy has been heavy upon -

and I am grateful.

Oh, that I would be a teacher like my Father as He teaches me....

Always patient,

Always kind,

Always gentle,

Always true...

Abba, Father - Thank you for never giving up on me. Your Grace is neverending and I am humbled that you stoop down to hear my feeble cries for help - You are my Fortress, my Present Help in times of need.

I stand with empty hands - nothing of worth to offer - and yet you see fit to use me in the lives of these Blessings you have give me. May I live in such a way that You would be proud to call me one of your own.