Leaning

​There we stood in church. Side by side, Sweet Pea was on my left. Worship flowed over us like rain, bonding our hearts together in the Spirit.

     “Jesus, we love You, oh how we love You…” Then Sweet Pea leaned.
     She snuggled into the crook of my arm. Taller now, Sweet Pea’s head rested on my chest. I pulled her close. With an arm wrapped around her, we swayed as one. As the music flowed over us, Sweet Pea nestled deep. And with the gentle pressure of her head resting against my skin, a wave of emotion rolled over me. My hart swelled.

    This head which rested so tenderly against my chest, communicated absolute trust and unconditional love. This life which God entrusted to me desired to snuggle close. And to be bound together in a mutual love of Christ as mother and daughter but also as fellow sojourners in the Lord, touched me to the core.

     To know the love of a child who trusts without question, who accepts unconditionally, and who loves without reservation is a humble privilege we share as parents. And it is God who has entrusted us with this precious gift of parenthood. But before we know it, our children’s childhood will flash by in a blink of an eye. This time when our children lean on us and look to us as guides is a small window. We need to take advantage of each moment. For a time is soon coming when we need to let them go. After all, our children are not ours but God’s.

     When Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, God did not instruct him to just enter the Promised Land but to possess it. Our responsibility as parents lies here as well. We are not to just skate by and teach our children the bare minimum. God desires us parents to possess the land of parenthood. The Bible even gives us parents specific instructions how to raise our children up in the Lord. We are to teach our children of God’s goodness, talk about Him with our children in the home and as we go about our day, instruct them in the ways of the Lord, and post His Word in our houses.

     As my daughter and I swayed in cozy communion, my heart raised in thanksgiving. Memories surged. Changing diapers, first steps, the first time she said my name, and precious times of laughter and fun infiltrated my thoughts. Nostalgia mixed with the present, causing my heart to forge towards the future with joy.
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     The song came to an end. But Sweet Pea still remained in the crook of my arm. We stood there, enjoying the warmth of our bodies and the oneness of spirit. Despite all the hardships and trials which our family have struggled through, in this moment, all is well. For children are a gift from the Lord. May each one of you treasure the time we have with our young children. May each one of us take advantage of the present and love much.