snuggling and thinking

I heard Xavier as he opened the bedroom door this morning

and almost as soon as those little feet started padding down the hall

his toddler voice could be heard, on repeat, "momma, I woke up" 

I spoke to him from the glider where I was having time alone with God

he came toward me, sleepy eyed, dragging his blanket 

and when he reached me, crawled up in my lap for snuggles

within a few minutes he had fallen back to sleep 

I continued to glide and hold him,

inhaling the sweet scent of sleeping little boy,

thinking back to times long ago

when I had opportunities to do that with his mama, aunts and uncles

sighs of contentment, both mine and Xavier's, filled the room 

as I sat there totally relaxed,

savoring those few minutes alone with him

with no agenda but to soak in the experience

I wondered if God enjoys quiet, early morning, relaxed time with His children 

in the same way I was enjoying my time with my grandson

What if we sought God's presence the way Xavier was seeking Ruth's? 

Not worrying about getting cleaned up first.

Knowing He is there for us. 

Trusting that He is going to take care of us. 

Simply wanting to see Him.

what if when you woke up every morning

• the first thing you did was seek God's face
• you called out to Him, by name 
• you listened for His voice and then walked toward Him
• you lifted up your arms to be held by Him
• you simply rested in His embrace

It is my experience that I am a stronger woman since I first recognized and took steps to meet my need to spend time with Him. In prayer. Reading His Word. Thinking about what it teaches me and what needs to change in my thoughts/attitudes/actions. More prayers. At this point in my life it is how I begin each day. It was awkward at first. And I didn't spend nearly as much time with Him then as I do now. The longer I know Him the more aware I am of how much I need Him and how much more there is to learn about Him and living life in Him. I also find myself more frequently throughout the day calling out for Him, seeking His presence, being aware of Him, resting in Him.