I am sure most of us are familiar with this call, coming from a child, with a distinct tone that says something is most definitely very wrong.  I found myself awakened at 2:00 a.m. this morning to this call.  It was one of my children, and in my haze, I found myself running toward their rooms as I was waking up.  It seemed as though my body reacted before my mind even had a chance to register the call.  I am sure all you parents can relate.  As parents we seem to have this built in sense that responds instantaneously when one of our little ones is in danger.  It isn’t choice, it’s instinct.

So I found my little Hope on the bathroom floor, obviously suffering from an acute stomach virus.  We cleaned her up, got her back into bed with the cold cloth on her head.  And what did I do?  What any of you would do of course.  I climbed into that raging cesspool  of bacteria and virus (aka her bed) snuggled up close and held her hand.

The germaphobe in me would have run in the other direction if it had been anyone else but my baby.  But because it was my little sweetie, I braved what I know to be sure infection to bring her some comfort.  It’s ok if I get sick, as long as she is well taken care of.

I know all of you are the same way.  The care of our children is paramount to anything else going on in our lives.  We would do anything to make sure our kids are safe and healthy.  So I am contemplating today, those instances in which I can’t be there.  As my children grow older, I am confronted with the fact that there are so many things outside my control.  As they step out into this world each day, the dangers of sickness, hurt, and injury are all around them.  So what is a parent to do?

I have learned that I can’t always keep my arms wrapped around them, but God can.  He walks with them everywhere they go.  I have learned to release them into His loving arms each day and trust that He cares for them more than I do.  To have any peace of mind, I have to intentionally do this, or else I would go crazy with worry when they are out of my sight.

The way that I remember His constant watchfulness over them is by praying this psalm.  Believe me, I have it memorized by now.  Maybe all you parents out there might find it helpful as well.  But not only do I pray it over my children, I have taught it to them as well.  It is my hope when they are in trouble, and possibly alone, that they can remember to call out, “Father, help!”  And trust that our heavenly Father is there running to answer.

Peace brothers and sisters.

Psalm 91