He is still and he trusts me and looks up at me like I’m the love of his life. And how can I resist that smile? With those steel-blue eyes and small gap between his teeth. And I’ve been falling for him since my eyes first met him that January morning over six full years ago.
He’s calm and sweet and full of passion—an artistic-instead-of-athletic type guy and he hugs me and says he’s never getting married. With excitement I hug him even tighter and whisper how I love him the most of all, with my lips close in and almost touching his ear. And I’m smitten and swell with living in the now of this moment.
And isn’t God smitten with me in the now of the moment and every moment?
And doesn’t He swell with a love for me that never ends?
He walks in the oral surgeon’s office with a bold determination. The frenulum has to be released so the front two teeth can grow in close, without a permanent gap.
And it’s going to hurt.
He knows.
But it’s best, because there’s a bigger purpose for it all.
And could it be that sometimes pain really is the only way through to what’s best for us?
Pain. Of all things?
Hurting and anguishing and struggling through?
We sit together and wait. And we wait some more.
And sometimes we don’t know the pain is coming … but sometimes we do. And isn’t it such a challenge when we do?
But isn’t He with us even as we wait … with us while we wait for Him to lead us right straight through?
He watches tv and I can tell there’s no anxiety anywhere to be found. He trusts me. He remembers my explanation of what’s going to happen. He follows my directions because he’s convinced I know best. And we gaze at one another and just stare with that I’m-in-love-with-you look and we don’t need any words at all.
And sometimes isn’t trust best displayed by being still … being still and knowing He is God?
Remembering His promises. Gazing with eyes fixed on Him, focused and ready to follow?
He stands with confidence as they take the x-rays and chats with the nurse while we wait for the surgeon. Because he’s captivating like that—a natural charmer, sure to win the heart of any sweet girl when he’s grown. And I’m the first … the first heart he’s won, and the moments of his gaze engulf me with emotions only a mama can know.
And isn’t it true how God has a depth of love for me that only He knows?
An unfathomable love that compelled Him to create me in His image and send His son to bridge the gap between us?
A captivating love that engulfs me, and encircles me, and never ever ends?
I wait as the procedure is done, and it’s not too long before they call me back. His gauze-filled mouth smiles when I enter. And the nurse brags how he’s the best patient they’ve ever had, making his eyes glimmer even more.
We wheel out to the car. And he asks what will happen next, and what the medicine is for.
And as I explain each thing, we slowly drive away, him nodding in understanding and willing compliance all the way home. Still and trusting. Unsure of what’s ahead, but completely sure of who’s driving him home.
May I be still too, and trust where He takes me.
Trust that even pain may be the best thing for my good,
And may I remember and know how He’s the one driving me all the way home.
What is your biggest challenge in trusting God?
What painful experience have you had that makes it harder to be still and trust Him?
Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1606-1620} with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012…with September’s printable.
#1606 Deep & significant talks with a growing-almost-adult son
#1607 The beginning of another chronological trip in the Word
#1608 A gift given with a God-prepared heart who received it…only He could have orchestrated that!
#1609 6-month dental check-ups completed for us all
#1610 The beginning of a new co-op year
#1611 A run with a friend
#1612 Ice cold water at the end of the 10th mile
#1613 Air conditioning
#1614 Kids cleaning the kitchen on their own
#1615 Date night with food, laughter, and reconnection
#1616 Soft sheets and comfy pajamas and fans at night
#1617 She Speaks CD’s full of wisdom
#1618 Summer lightening and thunder
#1619 Dinner made for me and brought to me
#1620 This love affair I have with Him that never ends
Love this…..what a precious little guy….praying for him. This is so inspiring and appropriate for me this morning…..am still struggling with painful disk problems! Please pray for me.
Here via Ann Voskamp’s.
This pain I want to share is not mine, but a dear friend’s (and her husband). She has a teen struggling with mental illness – hospitalization against her will has become necessary. Though they love the Lord, trusting that this particular pain is for good is excruciatingly difficult in their dark place. Would you bless them them with your prayers. Thank you.
you did a wonderful job weaving this story…a picture of redemption through painful situations. Hope your sweet one heals quickly…and may we trust the One who is driving us home:)
that is so hard for a little one… good writing.
Thank you Jackie…I’m so sorry you’re in pain.
Lord Jesus, I ask that you comfort Jackie. Draw close to her and help her know that your nearness to her is so good. Heal her disk, and give her wisdom to know how to manage her pain and trust in you, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
Blessings to you…
Lord, I pray you would give the medical professionals wisdom and guidance as they help this young girl…that the diagnosis would be clear…that the treatment would be effective, and that your comfort and peace would saturate this family as they are going through this most difficult time…in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
Yes, trust Him on each and every bend of the trip! Have a great day, friend…
Thank you Sharon, I’m so thankful. He’s doing really well!! Blessings to you!