The Arms of Jesus
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
I picked up our youngest granddaughter, five year-old Brooke, from preschool. The next hour was a fun time as together we explored the tiny birds in Granddaddy’s blue bird box, and checked to see if there were any tomatoes growing in our micro garden.
Then it was on to Brooke’s favorite, the swing.
"Higher, Grandma, swing me higher," she called out as I sent her flying in the air.
"Hold on tight, Brooke, hold on tight," I yelled back. She giggled that happy voice I loved to hear. It was a wonderful time of love and fellowship with one of my favorite people on this earth.
Soon tiring of the swing, Brooke wanted to show me how fast she could run. Her ponytail bobbled up and down on her head. Little short legs went round and round in the fresh mown grass. Where did all that energy come from after a long day at school!
Finally, completely exhausted, her legs had taken her as far as she could go. Brooke ran to where I was sitting in the comfort of my white rocking chair on the front porch. Her face was a rosy red, and her beautiful eyes were glistening with the joy of life.
"Grandma," she said, "I have run so much my heart is moving!" I knew she meant her heart was beating fast, but I was not about to correct her. Instead I held Brooke close to allow her tired body and fast beating heart to rest. I sensed her body relaxing in the arms of her grandmother.
Have you been so busy that you found yourself running all day? Perhaps round and round much like Brooke had been doing. Are you tired from all the hurry and scurry of the day? Have you been spinning around very fast physically and emotionally? Is your heart beating so fast you feel like it literally is moving?
Why don’t you stop a few minutes and relax in the arms of Jesus. He will welcome you just like I did Brooke. There you will find the joy and peace that has been eluding you. And your heart will go from beating so fast you think it is moving, to the soothing tones of harmony God intended for you.
Try it now – run to the arms of Jesus!
Melva Cooper
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother, and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. She is a contributing writer for Obadiah Magazine, Christian Motorsports Illustrated, and a Team Writer for Just-A-Minute Devotionals. She is a staff writer for catchfence.com and has articles published on several websites and ezines.