God, Too, Delights In Precious Memories

When my daughter was between 9 and 12 years old, our nighttime routine was most always a joyful time.  It usually included reading lots of her favorite books and discussing Jesus and Bible stories along with the high points of the day.  We often talked about her dreams and wishes for the future.  Our routine included, for quite a long while,  a foot massage on her small feet and a back massage on her little back with prayers for God to direct the paths her feet would trod and give strength for the load that her back might be required to carry.  This sweet time always ended with prayer for loved ones and those needing God’s touch to overcome in their own particular areas of struggle.  As I turned off the light, I would hear her young voice repeat the nightly question, “Mommy, would you lay with me for a little while?  I like to feel your company before I fall asleep.”  I would gladly snuggle in beside her and wait.  Then, when I went to slip out without waking her, I would hear a dreamy, “Don’t forget to check on me every once in a while.”   My reply, “I won’t forget, my good girl. I love you.  Good night.”

Then there came a span of time when I guess I was feeling overwhelmed and sucked dry by some very full days.  I have heard that feeling likened to the typical juice box when the child has reached the bottom and continues to try to get more.  I think you get the picture.  My selfish response to the “will you lay with me” question was, “I’m sorry Abby, I can’t tonight. I have to ….”  She would graciously reply, “If you’re busy, that’s okay, maybe tomorrow night.”  This scenario birthed the following verses:

Mommy would you lay with me for a minute maybe two

Before you go to do the things you have left to do?

Or longer if you want to, it’s really up to you.

I like someone to lean on, someone to feel

Close up against my back, someone whose real.

I like to feel your company before I fall asleep.

As parents, most of us treasure time with our children.  They leave us precious memories that melt our hearts when we recall them.  But have you ever stopped to consider that our heavenly Father longs just as sincerely to spend time with each of His children?  He records our conversations in His vast love and remembers every word.  (Psalm 66:19)  He touches our lives and sings songs over us as we draw close to Him. (Zephaniah 3:17) He knows us intimately and yearns to shower us with little surprises that He knows delights our hearts.  And, unlike us human parents, He is never too busy or weary to connect with us and He never falls asleep. (Psalm 121:3)  He is the perfect Father who made His children for relationship with Himself.  Even if your relationship with your parents was lacking, give God a chance.  If you don’t have an intimate, loving relationship with Him, take the time before you go to sleep and feel his company.  He is there.  He loves you so very, very much.