"Do you not know you are my child?"

I sit with my Bible and coffee for my quiet time with the Lord.  Always beginning with a song of praise and worship, letting the words draw me into Your presence.

My thankful heart opens to cry out in adoration of the blessings You provide.  Then I move into prayer.  My list is long, but I proceed, asking for Your healing hand, Your touch upon a life, and Your presence be known to those I love and care for.

I feel Your hand stopping me for a moment.  My mind grows quiet, the words in preparation of asking for guidance start to pass my lips.  But instead all is quiet.

For a moment I am breathless.  There's a bird singing in the distance, a neighbor is making their way to their car.  Work, school, shopping, where are they headed?

My mind starts to wander.

I've been side-tracked, so I begin the words asking for guidance.  But again You stop me.

"Breathe.  Just breathe."

A car horn in the distance breaks me from the tranquil whisper of Your voice.  Once more the words try to make their way past my lips, but I feel your loving finger stop them.  Why?

"Do you not know you are my child?"

I long to giggle, but catch myself.

"Please, don't stop.  Now is your time to be my child.  Do they not giggle too?"

I look to heaven and feel the sting of tears.  I ask, "Have I forgotten what it's like to be Your child?"

"Take my hand and walk with me.  Smile, giggle, talk, and enjoy my love."

So, I do.  We play.  We laugh.  You take me in Your arms and hold me tightly.  You smile at me and say,

"I love you."

Though it was just a moment, it felt like a lifetime.  The cares and worries, the responsibilities and tasks of life depart for a little while.  You were there for me.  You loved on me.

"I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned.  But I gain nothing if I do not have love."  1 Corinthians 13:3

First and foremost we are His children, not just mothers, wives, caretakers, and friends.  Remember to take time to receive His love.  Spend time with Him.  Let the struggles and trials slip away to just be with Him.

Be His child!

photo credit: shutterbugchik