Why Jesus Gave Us Mommies
We were savoring autumn’s end at a playground near the lake when my middle-born asked, “Mommy? Could we take a little walk in the leaves?”
I would have been content to remain seated in the sand at the bottom of the slide, and to continue applauding my toddler’s bravery each time she plunged down the chute. But Hannah’s earnest eyes nudged me from my lazy seat in the sun. I left my little one’s in their big sister’s care and assured the rest of my clan that we’d return soon.
I grasped my seven-year-old’s hand and we headed down the tree-lined trail. We listened to the crunch of crispy leaves beneath our feet, paused to investigate the critter who had scurried beneath a tangle of fallen logs, and bent low to pick up smooth acorns until our pockets bulged bumpy.
When the trail narrowed and twisted, we bravely followed its course and eventually found ourselves at the lake’s edge. Geese shouted their farewells to our cool blue waters as they soared into flight.
We sat at water’s edge, her slender fingers twined in mine, embracing the quiet. Then my tender one tightened her grip on my hand and murmured, “I wish I could do this with Jesus.”
“Sit by the lake?” I asked.
“No, just hold His hand,” she wistfully replied.
I rubbed my thumb over the back of her warm palm and said, “He’s always here to hold your hand, you know….”
Hannah tilted her chin skyward and shifted her blue eyes toward Heaven. Then she whispered, “I know. I just sometimes wish I could FEEL His fingers.”
My stomach churned with longing as I clasped my daughter’s fingers. Homesick, we sat in silence.
Then she rose, brushed off the brown leaves that clung to her tights, and beckoned me to follow. We retraced our steps and headed to the playground where her siblings waited. When our ears detected the sound of the children’s happy play, Hannah slowed her steps as if postponing our inevitable re-entry into the world of cries and clatter.
Before we shouted a greeting to our waiting ones, Hannah squeezed my sweaty palm and flashed me a wise smile. “I guess that’s why Jesus gave us mommies with hands.”
“Why?” I asked as I returned her thoughtful grin.
“Because He knew we’d need fingers to hold until we could feel His.”
The Overflow: For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. -Isaiah 41:3
The Overflow: For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. -Isaiah 41:3
What a precious moment…thanks for sharing.
TEARS…TEARS…AND MORE TEARS!
She is so dear…I do think that is why God gave us Momma’s…I know I need my momma’s hand! =)
Aww… what a tender moment in time. Love the pictures, too! Thanks for sharing why Jesus gave our kids mommies. So precious!
Sometimes God knows just what we need to hear through a little voice, doesn’t He?