I'm runnin'

Recently I've experienced some real, grip-you-by-the-throat, type fear about going to Bangladesh next February. The devil, that sly guy, knows how to get to me by making me ponder my children crying for me while I'm gone, or by making me think I'm somehow being selfish by expecting my husband to keep everything running without me. He knows just where to punch. And I know just who to call in for backup. Tonight the Lord used something small, yet personal and impactful to remind me He is always near and in control. Interestingly, this reminder came through my youngest son.

Just this week Salinger started proclaiming, "I runnin', I runnin'" when he's let loose to run full speed outside. It's wreckless abandon in the cutest form. He's so free and happy and wants the world to know that he's running.

Tonight at church, we sang several worship songs, and I did my normal sing along, tap one foot, and bounce, because I do love worship. So I'm happily singing along, when this chorus happens:

Oh, I'm running to Your arms,
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

I was immediately reminded of my sweet Salinger's "I'm running" proclamation, and peace like no other washed over me. I imagine that there will be more times when I feel afraid about Bangladesh and many other things in life. By the way, the verse before that chorus says "You are peace. You are peace when my fear is crippling." What I know is that the Lord Jesus will never, ever, not one time leave me or lead me down the wrong path. That is the ultimate comfort and the "get ye behind me Satan" that I've needed.

So like my toddler, I exclaim, "I'm runnin'! I'm runnin'!"

 

Easy like Sunday Morning

This morning all around our town, our county, our state, our country, our world, people are gathering. They are gathering in big beautiful church buildings, small rural churches, homes, schools, movie theaters, inside and outside to worship You. I pray the collective voices and measures of our hearts are pleasing to you, Lord. What a beautiful day when we consider Sunday morning from your perspective. It's not just my pew, my congregation, it's Christians everywhere taking time to worship and honor You. I wonder if Monday morning, Tuesday morning, Wednesday -- if they sound just as loud and sweet as Sunday morning. How I hope they do. How I hope that we worship, we honor, we love, we serve you, Lord. Every day.

I am a mother

I am a mother.

I am the push, push
I am awake, asleep, awake
I am a voice in the night
I am a mother.
I am a manicurist, pedicurist
I am Ken, kin
I am the clothes, the clothes, the clothes
The swish of my skirt
The flow of my hair
I am a mother.
I am inspired, uninspired, tired, awake
I am a smile
I am No
I am the quiet, the chaos
I am a mother.
I am professional
I am the drive
I am the click, tick, tock
I am away
Always here
In Joy. I am a mother.