This morning I was taking care of my grandson who is 14 months old. Today I learned a lesson from that sweet little baby.  This is how it went…

Mason is normally a happy little guy but today he got upset, for what I could not even begin to tell you because I still do not know myself.  He was playing one minute and the next he was getting a bit whiney which eventually turned into a full out temper tantrum.

I tried everything I could think of to make him happy but no matter what I tried he would not stop crying.  It did not matter what I said or what I did he would not stop.  I tried giving him a drink, a cookie, carrying him around, checked his diaper, and gave him toys.  The list goes on and on of things I tried, all the while his crying became louder and louder with him and me becoming more and more frustrated.

Finally after all avenues where fully exhausted I scooped him up and sat down with him in my lap.  I wrapped my arms around him tight.  At first this angered him and he began to scream louder but I keep holding him close and began to rock him.   I then took my finger and brushed a tear from his face as I did that he began to calm a bit.   I continued to hold him close in my arms rocking him and gently brushing my finger down the side of his sweet little face. During this time he began gazing into my eyes. In a matter of seconds he calmed.   We continued to rock and he continued looking me in the eyes and as I looked into his.

There is something mesmerizing about looking into a baby’s eyes. I always wonder what they are thinking about.  They are so full of innocence and trust at that age.  Nothing from the world has touched their minds yet and they have all the security they need just laying in someone’s arms.

As we rocked his little eye lids began to slowly close and his little body relaxed as he drifted off to sleep.  As I was holding him a strong urge to pray came over me so as we rocked I began to pray.  I have never prayed with a baby in my arms.  I felt so very close to him and to God.  It was a very special moment I will never forget.   My praying lasted for about 15 or 20 minutes.

Just as I finished my prayer my sweet precious boy opened his eyes.  His big beautiful blue eyes lit up when he saw me as he smiled a HUGE ‘I love you Grandma Smile’ at me which just melted my heart as it always does.  He then sat up and climbed off my lap his whatever he was crying about completely forgotten.  He then started toddling around the room full of happiness.  As far as he was concerned all was right in his world again.

I thought about this all day and I realized the way my grandson behaved is the same way I behave with God.

When I get upset with what is going on in my life I have been known to act quite childish at times.  Maybe I won’t throw a temper tantrum but it is very well known that I do know how to throw an awesome pity party.  During those times Jesus is always there trying to pull me onto his lap and comfort me.   I am sometimes quite stubborn thinking I’m strong enough to take care of my problems all on my own.  Just like my grandson I will keep fighting him off, getting myself more and more frustrated.

But also like my grandson I will inevitably come to the end of my rope.  This is where Jesus will pick me up, pull me into his lap and put his protecting arms around me.  He then brushes the tears away from my cheek as He holds me and rocks me gently.  He will hold me in his lap until I calm, until I feel safe and secure, surrendering to his unfailing love and finally resting.  Also like my grandson after I spend time in his lap I can smile and climb out and go on knowing Jesus is still close by.  He is right here with me always, never leaving me, always protecting me.

Lesson learned 🙂

 Psalm 32:7  You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

 Psalm 91:1-2  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Thanks for reading and God bless you 🙂