“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:15-16

If I were yet a babe
tucked deep within the womb
nestled in safety
like the stars and moon

If my eyes gazed
in awesome wonder
of things greater than I
too simple yet complicated

If I could be assured
my days were embraced
by your loving arms
anything… anything I could face

I am still innocent
I did not say sinless
tell me how I can know
more about sweet Jesus

Recently, my Goldie Grand asked me to tell her about Jesus. How sweet is that! Jesus said to come to him like a child. My prayer is that you would want to know about Jesus, just like a little child.

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Sometimes I go down my long driveway to retrieve the mail without my dog; space is nice and my golden doesn’t see to mind, too much. When I return, five minutes later, he welcomes me gladly. His wispy tail waggling and tush shaking (excuse the urban word); he’s happy because one of the pack is back.

My grown boys don’t need much love from me anymore; kinda sad. Two are married and are creating their own love nests. One is at home. I guess he still needs a little TLC once in a while; usually in his timing. Just an ear to listen while drinking a warm cup of coffee; I guess he still needs me.

Now, hubby is another story. I could be wearing a neon sign flashing: I Love You, I Love You and he still seems to need to know it more. He needs love pats given like a daily vitamin. And he is generous in handing them out.

Last weekend, Nana (me) and Goldie Grand, had a girl’s sleepover. We played table games, dolls, and colored while listing to Patch the Pirate stories. In the mist of the festivities she asked, “Do you love me?”

“Of course, I do Sweetie.”

That is when the long list started. “Do you love me more than Papa, more than my dad, more than my uncles, more than my cousin, more than anyone else?” She stared steady waiting for my reply.

I had to be honest, though there is a special place for Goldie Grand in my heart, I told her I loved everyone the same. I saw her bubble deflate.

A few months ago, a little girl in my Junior Church class asked, “Do you love me?” You guessed it; she’s the same age as Goldie Grand. Her life’s been a bit more complicated. She’s a foster child waiting for adoption. Soon we pray. Her first few years of life were very difficult; two girls with different pasts asking the same question.

I love (no pun intended) the movie Fiddler on the Roof. One scene has always been my favorite. Tevye, the main male character, asks his wife, Goldie, if she loves him. This poor milkman struggles with the life long question of being loved. Her reply, “After twenty-five years of living and struggling together… I do.” Of course, she sings it. The scene ends with them sitting side-by-side. No embrace or facial glances. Simply sitting next to each other.

The age-old question of love comes alive in Scriptures as Jesus asks Peter, “… do you love Me more than these?”

Without hesitation he replies, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.”

Then Jesus tells Peter, “Feed My lambs.”

A second time Jesus asks, “Simon; son of Jonah, do you love me?”

Jesus seems to go just a little deeper by adding, son of Jonah, in His question.

Again Peter replies, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

Now, Jesus asks Peter to tend His sheep.

A third time Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him.

Finally, Peter answers, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

What was Jesus looking for? He wanted a complete commitment from Peter; not just an individual emotional feeling from him.

Perhaps, Peter struggled with commitment after he denied knowing Jesus. The relationship had been bruise. We all know about those types of relationships. It is then we are more careful to guard our hearts.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Trinkets of love will litter the day. Cards, candies, and flowers will attempt to express the feelings of love. What if Jesus asked you, “Do you love me?”

Perhaps, it’s time to go and feed the little lambs.

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“So He (Jesus) said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”” Matthew 14: 29-30

Just Come

I stand on the Rock;
a brilliant foundation.
Strong, sturdy, solid
then turbulent waters come;
violent, barbarous, hellish.
I totter to and fro
like tossed waves
surging and then descending.
Swells swirling my spirit;
I hold my breath, an instinct
to keep from drowning.
Close my weary eyes
from the gloomy yoke
surrounding me.
It is in the pith
of my own burden;
my hearing is enhanced.
A faint murmur turns
to a gentle whisper,
“Come…”

Sometimes it’s hard to see past the trial while in the middle of our circumstances. Too often we even forget to go to the only One who can really help. Whatever your struggle today… may you cling to the One, God Himself, who can calm the waters!

Also sharing with:

• Link to only your post dealing with our prompt
• I’m unable to produce a button to grab, please include: Scribbling Spiritual Sand link to www.wolfsrosebud.wordpress.com
• If you’d like, leave a comment after linking
• Take time to visit other participant’s post
• Thanks for stopping in… and have a great week!
• Next week we’re having a pot-luck! Pick your own Scripture verse and inspire us.

Just another day…
no thought really given
to snow laden streets,
children’s jubilant voices,
or even a cat’s purr.
Coffee perking
filling the house,
depressing news spills
from the radio,
and where is that list?
Why can’t I ever find it?

Laundry, work, shopping…
is anything ever done?
Slips the plate into
a sink loitered with dishes.
Oh, there’s that doctor’s
appointment today!
Sigh… wish I could miss it.
gallbladder problem, my guess.
Some stupid diet I’ll be on.
Grabs keys and purse,
slams the door,
five steps out…
I forgot the list!

Children’s voices laughing
now, sing as I work.
I love these kids;
everything new and fresh for them.
Love freely given and received.
Too rich a lunch,
oh well, it’ll probably be
the last before the bland diet.
One hour left,
doctor’s appointment,
shopping, and the
community event tonight;
Can’t miss it, I’m running it!
Chuckle… as the server
says, “Have a nice day.”

Two hours later,
numb, almost paralyzed.
Steering wheel cold,
snow gathering windshield,
fumbles for keys,
the list drops to the floor;
a tear pools in the good eye.
Then adrenaline pumps
wildly through veins.
Fear grasp, strangles
just a normal day.
It can’t be; it’s not true!
What am I gonna do?

A text message
comes in, no two.
One from California
the other Minnesota
My kids!
What do I tell them?
The snow falls,
it’s thicker now.
A whispered prayer,
“Help!” Key slips smoothly
into the ignition the car purrs,
a jubilant song plays,
but a heart is laden
with unknowns.
The cell rings,
press the button
“Mom, you OK?”
“I will be, now
that you called!”

Linking up with dVerse

Thanks to Caring Bridge a nonprofit organization connecting family and friends when health matters most. I recommend it to any family dealing with major health problems. It’s the way to keep everyone connected.

Filed under: dVerse, Family, Life, Poetry Tagged: Cancer, Mortality Poetry, Normal Day ]]>