Tag: Isaiah 40:11

Lenten Meditation: Lead Those With Young

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And gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:11

Parents of young children deserve special compassion from the rest of us.  I remember what it was like to juggle two crying children under the age of three at a grocery store.   One particularly stressful afternoon, I left a full cart in the middle of an aisle, picked up both overly tired screaming boys in my arms and headed to the car, too exasperated and embarrassed to continue shopping.   I was badly in need of a dose of gentleness that day.  When I see a mom in that predicament at the grocery store now, I offer whatever help she may need at the moment, because I remember what it was like.   It is my responsibility to help those who are responsible for children.

Instead of it taking a village to raise a child, it is my experience that a church family is a safer bet.  As we hunted for a church home with our two young boys, it was important to see which church made them feel just as welcome as their parents.  Some worship services discouraged the inclusion of young children in the sanctuary, shuttling them to nursery or classes instead.  I loved what I saw at the little church we eventually joined:  young children were part of the regular worship, learning to sit quietly, sometimes with surrogate grandparents equipped with colored pencils and paper to draw pictures.  There was a collaborative sense of devotion to the nurturing of each child in the church, through support of their parents, even if that meant being tolerant of the occasional rowdy toddler.

Now that my children are grown, I can be part of the lives of the dozens of younger children who are coming behind them.  I love knowing these children trust me enough to come to my arms when they need comforting, and will sit with me during worship, or draw me a special picture.   I enjoy playing piano for their Sunday School singing time, hearing them sing the same songs my children learned twenty years ago and that I learned over fifty years ago.

In gratitude to the shepherds who lead those who raise children,  the continuity of your gentle nurture is deeply appreciated~~

Lenten Meditation: Carried Close to the Heart

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Homeward Bound sculpture by Allan Houser commissioned by Heifer International, Arkansas

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart
Isaiah 40:11

I was blessed with three cuddly babies.  Each settled right into the crook of my arm, snuggling into my breast, sleeping soundly with my heartbeat echoing in their ear.  In fact, they were so comfortable it rarely worked to easily separate from them,  trying to slowly, carefully, imperceptibly lower them into their crib without their awakening.  Many quiet hours were spent rocking with them gathered close, comforting me as I comforted them.

Not every baby cuddles so contentedly.  When picked up, they become all arms and legs and arching back, grimacing and howling as they try to wiggle away, with no goal other than seeking perceived freedom.   Struggling their way out of snuggling.   Instead of comfort, it is perceived as confinement, restraint instead of respite.

There was a time, years ago, when I too was restless and uneasy about being gathered up and held close.  I wanted to go my own way, pursue a different path,  independent and rebellious.  I’m astonished to this day that I was missed,  sought out, picked up and gently carried back home.

Now I know there is no greater freedom than what is found within those arms, next to that heart.

Lenten Meditation: Feed His Flock

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A Shepherd and His Flock --Julien Dupre

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd
Isaiah 40:11

Lonely business, shepherding.  Unless you happen to like the company of dozens of sheep and their doggy guards.  Then it becomes just the right kind of fellowship–though a bit vocal, maybe somewhat wayward, with a tendency to decide their own path unless constantly supervised and guided.   It really is a labor of love.

There is one truth about sheep:  if there is meadow to graze and they sense safety in numbers with their protectors near, they are pretty content.

I’m definitely more sheep than shepherd, hungry to be fed and happy to keep my nose down in the pasture, very glad to be part of a larger body, though at times still skittish enough to make a run for it on my own if I lose my bearings.   Then the shepherd has to haul me back into the flock again, reminding me where I belong, and from where my sustenance comes.  Alone, on my own, I’m coyote fodder.

Might I gradually become more shepherd than sheep someday?   Becoming more caretaker than cared over, to feed others rather than be fed?

I won’t think of it as labor, but rather it would be a gift of love.