Today has been a snuggle day in our home. My three year old started running fever last night and complaining of a headache, and when she woke this morning she still did not feel well. She couldn’t pinpoint any specific complaint, but rather stated she “just didn’t feel good Momma.”
I gave her some Ibuprofen for her fever and discomfort, which helped some I’m sure, but the best I could offer her it seems was my lap, and I decided that would be just fine by me. I realized that regardless of any piles of unfolded laundry or dishes in the sink, and despite the plans I had made for the day, that my resources would best be utilized on snuggle duty for the remainder of the day.
I had woke myself not feeling my best, and although I hadn’t caught what she had by any means, I felt icky anyway. I felt icky on the inside. I woke with a case of the blues, a sickness I hate the most for its cause is often times elusive for me.
I had looked out the window at the overcast day and wondered if the storm clouds had ushered in my gray mood. Perhaps it was worry over my sick little girl, or a little bit of dread over an upcoming weekend of work quickly approaching. I wondered if it was the rude comment on my blog I had read upon first waking, or other concerns I held about my writing. I wasn’t sure. I just knew I felt bad, and I didn’t like it.
A part of me, the worldly realist, will always say in these moments, you can’t be in a good mood every day Brie. Get over yourself. But then the other part of me, the one who weeps out loud when she thinks of God’s goodness, will ask myself, well, why not? I mean, while bad feelings will come, do they necessarily have to come as often or affect me like they do?
I had found myself recently in tune with how the devil might be eager to steal my happiness as I grow in my faith, and so when confronted with a feeling of depression or hopelessness, I’ve started wondering if I’m not under attack when these moments come without real cause. Or even if the cause is justified, as struggles will come my way, is my perception of how big these issues are to blame? Meaning, do I tend to focus on little problems and magnify them in my mind into something much worse?
This morning instead of searching too hard for a cause of my melancholy, or focusing too intently on my small, worldly problems that God is dealing with as we speak, I just decided to follow my three year old’s cue.
When she awoke this morning, feverish and achy, she came to me immediately. She said, “Momma, I need you to hold me.” And we made it a snuggle day. Because she needed it.
Some days we all need to snuggle, we all need to just have a snuggle day. On mornings like this one when I wake to a feeling of defeat I realize I must walk my feverish, achy body to my Heavenly Father’s open arms and ask Him to hold me. Because some days we just need to snuggle, we just need to be held, and we just need to know there’s someone looking out for us. We tend to forget that.
When you look out your window and all you see is gray skies, it may just be a snuggle day. When you don’t even know why, or even if you do, some days you just need strong arms around you to give you comfort, to give you peace. When you’re sick, uncertain, and feeling at a loss, you just need to be held and loved. You just need to snuggle.
Go to Him first thing, not waiting until you have tried everything in your own power to fix your ailment. Quiet yourself in the presence of God, and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you and banish anything that is not of Him. Accept His open lap invitation to give you the comfort you need. Because everyone needs a snuggle sometimes.
kleta1970 says
This is so true.My children are adults now,so that doesn’t happen.But caring for a grandchild works real well.When I hold them in my arms,I feel God’s love envelope both of us. Such peace!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for the comment. I completely agree.
K hill says
Hi Brie. This is Katina Drewery Butler Hill. not sure if you remember me from school. This is the first time I have read your blog but it was great. I am living in Ripley now and miss lots of my old friends. Sometimes it’s easy to get depressed but your blog sends hope. Thanks
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I remember you. Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you enjoyed!
Denise says
Brie.. You are such an inspiration
.I really wish we could have a cup of coffee together. You are a great writer and seem to really be on top of the truth. Thank you for sharing. Maybe it’s the RN in is, but I can so relate to you!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much. Your encouraging words give me a much needed smile on this early, work morning.