Extra Snuggles & Less Zzz’s

What do you want when you’re sick? One thing you’d like to have when you aren’t feeling your best? When things aren’t exactly going the way you’d hoped?

Comfort.

Something or someone that feels like home. A relaxing bubble bath. A place to rest and a calming atmosphere. Your favorite TV show. A glass of hot tea. Extra hugs or the comfort of knowing you are not alone.

Cries in the middle of the night from your little one are alarming. Not only are you jolted awake from a deep sleep, but you also don’t know exactly what is wrong until you get up to investigate. So now you’re stumbling through a dark house, barely awake, trying to soothe your little one.

Raising a little one is not for the faint of heart. You trade relaxation and sleep for running and soothing. But as I’ve been reminded, no matter how long or hard the night may feel, it won’t last forever. Morning will soon arrive. Light will break through, offering a reset.

When our little wasn’t feeling her best, she didn’t want toys. She didn’t want a snack. She didn’t want to color or dump out the markers. What she wanted was our presence. Hugs and holding her just a little longer while she rested. She wanted to hold our hand through the slats of her crib while she fell asleep.

We provided extra comfort. We may have had to miss a favorite TV show, stay up a bit later, or get up off the floor a little less easily than in our younger years, but it’s what we did. In this moment, we were called to care for her needs above our own wants and desires. For after all, that’s parenthood.

I can’t help but think of the love and comfort that God freely gives to us. He’s closer than we often realize, so in our toughest moments, we need to rely on Him for strength. Our God is faithful, always providing in His timing. I’m reminded in our sleepless nights and times of sickness of the hope of Heaven. One day soon, every wrong will be made right, and every single tear will be dried. We don’t know the day or time, but as believers we carry a hope that sustains us when times are hard. A reminder of the true Comforter. I’m reminded of the challenge I have as a parent to lead my little one to the Truth. A responsibility that I don’t want to mess up. So I’ll be thankful for these moments when I can provide extra comfort, because they won’t last forever.

Isaiah 66: 12-14

For this is what the Lord says: I will make peace flow to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flood; you will nurse and be carried on her hip and bounced on her lap.  ****As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.  ****You will see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the Lord’s power will be revealed to his servants, but he will show his wrath against his enemies.