Winter prevails, including the cold winter of disappointment for Maren. Her marriage hopes were dashed two weeks before Christmas. I have never had my heart ache quite like this but, I know it has been worse for her. My prayers for her have been pleading, soul wrenching, physically and mentally exhausting. What do you pray for when your daughters heart is broken? Scriptures came to my mind: “Surely he hath borne our grief and carried our sorrow.” (Isaiah 53:4) “...my peace I leave with you, not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) Are these things that I could pray for? Are these prayers God would answer? I pleaded, hoping.
One day I thought, she needs to be “encircled about...in the arms of His love.” (2 Ne. 1:15) “Please God,” I cried, “let her feel your arms of love.” The next morning she called me. Her precious friends rallied and came to her aid. They cooked dinner and brought gifts. They rubbed her back and held her as she cried. They encircled her in the arms of their love. Oh, this is how it works. This is how prayers are answered.
I told her I was coming to see her. I told her I would clean and organize her house. She said, “No, that’s not what I need. Come and hold me and rub my back.” I did pray for this didn’t I? And then it was clear to me. I am not good at giving physical comfort. I am so task oriented and practical all I could think of was cleaning. Then I prayed a different prayer, “Please God, help me be better at being your arms.”
One day I thought, she needs to be “encircled about...in the arms of His love.” (2 Ne. 1:15) “Please God,” I cried, “let her feel your arms of love.” The next morning she called me. Her precious friends rallied and came to her aid. They cooked dinner and brought gifts. They rubbed her back and held her as she cried. They encircled her in the arms of their love. Oh, this is how it works. This is how prayers are answered.
I told her I was coming to see her. I told her I would clean and organize her house. She said, “No, that’s not what I need. Come and hold me and rub my back.” I did pray for this didn’t I? And then it was clear to me. I am not good at giving physical comfort. I am so task oriented and practical all I could think of was cleaning. Then I prayed a different prayer, “Please God, help me be better at being your arms.”
I have a young adult friend who writes poetry, Lindsay Hunt. After reading this blog she sent me her poem. I think it is wonderful and fits beautifully with my thoughts. Thanks Lindsay
Loving Arms
There is no greater feeling, than that of loving arms.
They can make you believe, you'll overcome anything that harms
The comfort and love that they possess,
Help so much to take away the stress.
With loving arms; they are always there,
No matter what, they'll be there to care!
The stress of life, they don't have to solve,
Just being there; they may help things evolve.
So turn to the arms, that you feel the most love,
They will try to help you start to rise above.
To feel of their comfort; everyone needs,
Before the loneliness of your heart bleeds.
Keep an eye out and an open heart to see;
You never know whose "loving arms" you may be!
~*Lindsay-Lou*~
