I have a little friend who is about 16 months old right now. I remember when he was a newborn – tiny and helpless. Such a sweet little guy. But now he’s just growing by leaps and bounds.
A couple of times a month, I get to hang out with what I refer to as the “little-littles” at my church. It’s basically kids 0 to 4 years old. (We have another class for the “big-littles” – ages 5 and up.) And this morning, though it wasn’t my turn with the little-littles, one of the other helpers had to leave early to go to work, and so I went to lend a hand. And my 16-month-old little friend – normally a very happy fellow – was grouchy. And unsurprisingly, when I got near him, he immediately did that little “crab grab” with his hands that is the international little-person sign for, “Pick me up, now.”
And of course, I did.
I’ve been gone so much lately that I haven’t held him in about a month, and I’d say that my little friend has had a growth spurt, because I was shocked when I picked him up at how big and heavy he’s gotten. He groused at me for a second, but then as I jostled him in my arms for a firmer grip, he popped his binky in his mouth, put his head on my chest, and conked out.
My little friend and I are not going to be able to do this for much longer. I’m short with short arms, and he’s growing so fast. Soon, he will outgrow the cradle of my arms and have to settle for my lap. But today, I held him and swayed him back and forth, humming very, very softly – as I do. And I was struck by the paradox of my life that I, who have spent so little of my life feeling comforted, am somehow able to provide comfort for others.
I’m grateful that I can. If God were to give me any gift, this would be the one I’d choose – that those around me would feel comforted.
And an hour later, as I got ready for lunch, this popped into my head:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ERV
And my prayer is that I will trust God to comfort me just like my little friend trusts me as he puts his head on my chest and sleeps.
Amen.
About Sarah Salter
That was so sweet… And yes we do have to trust that God will comfort us, He is always there to do just that..
Knowing His comfort is such a beautiful thing. Sharing that comfort is what we’re made for. Great story, Sarah!
Beautiful, Sarah. At the writer’s conf two years ago W. Paul Young said that God heals us so we can be free to be his children. It REALLY resonated with me and so does this.