Before Coldness Sets In

One of my favorite things to do, at the end of a long day, is to cover my children one more time with their blankets.

After an easy bedtime, and especially after a hard one;
after they have felt abundantly loved,
and especially if they have perhaps wondered;
after they have been thankful for my faithfulness,
but especially if they have questioned whether I'm acting in their best interests,
I like to sneak into their quiet bedrooms and cover them up.
Comfy, cozy.

After all, they might get cold during the night, and I can prevent that in a very silent, unobserved way. They don't even know I was there.

And, I can kiss them once more before I leave.

As I did precisely that at the end of a rougher day with the sweet ones entrusted to me, I was feeling particularly weary from a few things on my mind and on my heart. Sick children, traveling husband, unemployment toying with the hearts of those I love.

And suddenly I wondered, as I tucked blankets under their chins, how has God done this same thing for me? Quieted me before I could spin out of control? Tucked a blanket quietly around me, before coldness could set in? Silently, unobservably offered himself, in ways I might never notice?

My mind was flooded with a dozen gifts...

an encouraging conversation with a trusted friend,

a timely card in the mail,

a song lyric that seems to speak directly to me,

a gift card to Starbucks from a friend who says,

"I think you could use some time for you,"

a kiss from my son,

a hug from his brother,

a knowing glance from my mom,

a laugh from my dad,

a text from my brother,

a phone call from my husband,

a verse on my mind.

~

Perhaps God sent them my way.

So I wouldn't feel cold.