I Hold You?

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  James 4:8 (NLT)

 "I hold you, Grammy!"...Lyss 1995

One of my favorite phrases, that Alyssa used to pipe up and say when she was just a little tyke, was "I hold you."  She'd walk up to me, or her dad, and raise her arms and plead for us to gather her up in our arms.

"I hold you?"

Oh melt a mother's heart.  Some days I ache to hear her say it just one more time.

"I hold you."

Though her words were not spoken in quite the right way, we always got the gist. 

I know that if Alyssa were to come to Jesus, and say "I hold you?"  He would know exactly what she meant.  He would respond with open arms saying "Yes, I will hold you, dear daughter of mine!"

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  James 4:8 (ESV)

Lord, thank you for always holding your children.  I know that you want Alyssa and Kyle to draw near to you.  You're waiting for every opportunity to hear them say "I hold you."  And with each moment that they ask for you to hold them, you will lovingly hold out your arms, pick them up, and draw them close to yourself.  Fill Alyssa and Kyle with a longing for your presence, dear Jesus.  Oh, how I pray that they hunger and thirst for you, and long for the love, and comfort that they need. May they call on your name, seek you as their refuge, an ask you to hold their lives in your hands. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5)  Amen!