A CHILD'S FACE

Last week I stopped in to visit my parents.

I had called earlier to tell them I couldn't come until late afternoon – naptime. Would that be OK? My mom told me to wake them up if they were asleep.

So, around 4:30, I walked quietly into their house.

Sure enough, my dad was sound asleep in their bedroom. And my mom, dear mom, was quietly purring on the small couch in the living room. It's kinda *her place* for the afternoon. Her quiet place, her place to escape from the daily grind of caring for her household, her husband.

The TV was on, and mom had a tight little grip on the remote control.

Her sweet face was so pretty. She looked peaceful, content, happy. I hated to wake her, but I just couldn't leave without saying hello.

So, I gently touched her hand.

So, I gently rubbed her arm.

So, I started whispering her name.

So, I started proclaiming her name – a little louder and LOUDER.

So, I wrestled the remote control from her.

So, I finally kinda grabbed her and jostled her awake.

She woke up startled, looking all around like she didn't quite know where she was. And then I watched her beautiful blue eyes come into focus, and saw the moment she recognized my presence. Her face *beamed* with the biggest smile. These were the first words out of her mouth:

"Oh, my sweet Sharon. My precious face."

"Hi Mom."

I saw the joy on her face – just because I was there. I saw her eagerness as she reached out to grab onto me. A mother's touch, desiring the warmth of her child's hand in return. I saw all the way into her heart – and I could see how firmly I was planted there, forever.

You know what, it touched me so deeply, so profoundly, that I've been thinking about that moment ever since. I realized that my mother has loved me for a very long time. That from the very beginning, until the very end, I was and will always be her child. Her dearly beloved child.

And that means more to me than words could ever express.

On my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It made me cry.

I came to a stoplight, and a quiet voice spoke to me.

"Sharon, I love you that way, too."

More tears.

God.

The One who is always glad to see me. The One who delights in me. The One who has loved me for a very long time. I know that from the very beginning (actually before the world began), until the very end (actually for eternity), I was and will always be His child. His dearly beloved child.

And that means more to me than words could ever express.

Can you even imagine it?

See the joy on His face – just because you are here. See His eagerness as He reaches out to grab onto you. A Father's touch, desiring the warmth of His child's hand in return. See all the way into His heart – and see how firmly you are planted there, forever.

Look in the mirror – I did. Cup your face with your hands. And then let Him say to you…

"Oh, my sweet child. My precious face."

It's powerful.

His Love can do that. It can overwhelm you with fullness, it can humble your pride, it can reach all the way into your soul and grab you. It can make you feel incredibly special.

My mom, my Lord – I am deeply loved by both.

How incredibly grateful I am for a mother who loves me, who is still a vital part of my life. Whose beautiful blue eyes still see me and whose smile still beams at me. Whose precious hands still reach out and hold me.

How grateful I am for a mom who taught me, showed me, led me to the love of the Lord – the One who loved her first.

The One who loves me, too.

I am a precious daughter, a beloved child – oh, what glorious joy!

Will you look yourself in the mirror today and let the love of God touch your soul?

Linked today with Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"