Little feet toddle over. Balancing the weight of a book in her hands. Over and over. The same book placed in my hands. The same story, same pictures, yet she wants to hear it, see it again.

I recall sweet days. Again and again, I would go to the bookshelf and retrieve the same book. Sitting in the warmth of my dad’s lap I would delight in the same story again. Something satisfying, comforting about sitting upon his lap, hearing his voice, and the familiar story that made me smile. Yes, a safe place, a beautiful place where in that moment nothing else mattered, nothing else was calling our names. We could rest. We could get lost in the pages.

I see its sweetness now with my own daughter wrapped in my arms. This sweetness of rest, comfort, cares aside.

How often do I return to the bookshelf? Again and again. Over and over for the same book. To hear the story again and again while I rest in the arms of my God.

As a child finding nothing better. Opening the Lord’s book, sitting with Him with nothing else calling my name.

Hearing God’s voice and the familiar love story that makes me smile from the inside out. Something satisfying, comforting.

It is not easy to pause from our busy world. It is not easy to pull away from the tasks and demands. However, would you invite a child upon your lap? Would you read them the same story a million times just to see them smile?

God will do the same for you. Rest in Him, child, upon His lap. With His book…rest…

 

1 Peter 5:7  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ESV

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. NLT

Psalm 16:9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. NLT

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” NKJV