There are moments as a parent that you see the great love God has for us through the very love you have for your children. I actually can't fathom the love God has for us...but it's nice to have a glimpse of it's weight when I'm holding my son or talking to my teenage daughter.
Jaden will be turning 3 in a couple of short months and it seems as though he's waited to start his terrible 2's until the end of them. Nap time wasn't such a struggle a few months ago but it's become quite an ordeal these days. He struggles and fights and tries to bargain his way out, but I know...he needs to rest.
One of the ways I calm him down is to hold him tightly...while his arms and legs are going everywhere...and I rock him. His flailing doesn't keep me from holding him close. Then...I start to say...
"Do you know who loves you?"
The tense and stiff body becomes slightly less rigid.
"Mommy loves you."
He begins to calm.
"Daddy loves you."
He may figure out what I'm doing and start to tense back up again but I keep going.
"Sissy loves you."
Now, a giggle.
"Snoopy loves you."
"Grandmama loves you."
"Honey loves you and Pop Pop loves you."
His body now calm and relaxed.
"Emmy loves you."
Eye lids are closing slower.
"Aunt Angie loves you."
A smile and eyes shut.
"Melissa loves you."
I can hear his breathing now.
"Uncle Walt loves you."
Soft little toddler snores rise and fall.
I know times in my life that God held me tight while I flailed about. His loving words wash over me like a lullaby. His serinade of rest and peace make every part of me trust and stop the fight. How great is my God's love? How can I even imagine it? Why should I be a recipient of it? Selfish me held in His arms and selfless Him loving and singing over me.
