It was the end of the day, and as I gathered up my youngest daughter for bedtime I realized I was tired too. But it wasn’t just a physical fatigue, though my eyes felt gritty. It was an emotional weariness. I had a handful of problems worrying me, and like rocks in your pocket, after you gather so many they start to weigh you down.
Come to Poppa.
I felt the call to lay it all down, and I smiled at the thought of surrender. It was all about trust, you know?
Earlier that day I had put the same baby daughter down for a nap. She seemed so soundly asleep, and I slipped swiftly out of the room while visions of steamy showers filled my senses. I was a sucker for hot water and hair conditioner, but as soon as I let the spray soak my tresses I heard her bawling plea. “Come get me!” her cries screamed, and I jumped out of the shower slip-sliding my way to her side before she fell from the bed.
I won’t lie; I was mad. I was mad that she had napped for less than fifteen minutes. I was mad that I was wet and freezing. And I was mad that I never had a moment just for me. I honestly wanted to scream at that baby right that moment, but then she did something that changed it all around. She leaned herself into my body, and she rested her small head on my chest.
It wasn’t just the laying her head on me either. It was the whole act of it, the way it felt, what it implied. Her body was limp. She was in a position of complete abandonment and total surrender. She was exhausted, and her posture showed it. She fell into me, her full weight rested against me, and the feeling of absolute trust was palpable.
Her tiny trusting body felt so wonderful pressed against mine that I kissed the top of her head. Once, twice, then again, and I just held her. I held her until she was done resting in me.
Come to Poppa.
How many times do I cry out in anguish at my surroundings? How often am I so very tired, but unable to find rest on my own?
How frequently do I feel overwhelmed by the pressures of this world, yet how often do I choose to simply trust Him? And I don’t mean the “I read my Bible and believe in God” kind of trust. I mean the “let me fall face first into your chest and lay there in total surrender” kind of trust.
Maybe it’s time I go limp and lay my head down like a child.
This week especially I’ve found myself falling victim to the stresses of this world, and they are indeed many. I’ve been pulled in many directions, and pressed between a rock and a hard place. I’ve even felt my back against the wall with no other option than to trust God. This week He strongly impressed this verse upon my heart.
Isaiah 43:19
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
In the midst of many changes I am reminded that my Father makes the way, not me. And though He gives me the wisdom and will to move forward as I choose, in the end I am powerless in most things. Yet when I can fall into Him in total trust I find my rest. I find peace. I find comfort. I find Poppa.
Charles S says
Your words of wisdom came at a time when I needed them the most. Lot of changes are going on in my life and your words gave me a new way of looking at them.
Thank you
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Michaela says
So well said!! I feel the same way sometimes, when everything just overwhelms me. I love your awesome way to put into words what I feel. Thank you.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Our lives-His Purposes, Ruthie's impressions says
YES, need this today!
Angie says
Surely needed this today. Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
You’re welcome. Thank you.
Amber Thompson says
You are an angel! I so badly needed this tonight. Thank you so much.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Sharon says
Tears are streaming. I needed this reminder right now. Thank you.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
You’re welcome.
Dave Parsons says
I remember Poppa’s arms the most when I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and I was told I needed to have a body scan to make sure it wasn’t invading other parts of my body! The time of waiting several days for the scan became torment to my mind and emotions! I tried to occupy myself and will never forget going to one of my favorite man places to get some hardware to work on things to occupy my mind! Prayers, scripture reading, meditation and reaching out to Poppa was happening but the nagging worry continued! I will never forget coming out of the hardware store and just time I got into my truck a peace that passes understanding overwhelmed me! I felt His mighty arms around me and knew He was with me! It is so wonderful to read your words and be reminded of our Poppa! My big old earthly father was such a gentle man and as a little boy I loved hearing his words of love and feeling his strong arms around me but nothing can compare to our heavenly Fathers love! Praise Him forever!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for sharing. I can relate to your words so much as I still struggle to not worry at my own situation. Praise Poppa!