A pastor’s son tells the story about falling asleep in the back seat of the car on the way home from church. At times he would wake up just enough to feel his father gently pick him up and carry him to bed. Other times he would pretend to be sleeping to get the free ride upstairs. But sometimes he didn’t awaken until the next morning, finding he was carefully tucked into his bed.
The son explains the memory of his father carefully cradling his head in his arm to support it. “What a comforting feeling that was. Secure, protected with no worries. I knew my dad was protecting me.“
Several months ago, I had a grandson born 10 weeks premature. Especially being their first child, my son and his wife had many questions and concerns about what was to come. They knew it probably meant many months in the NICU at U of M. Thankfully, they were able to work remotely, spending everyday with their new son, holding him, talking and singing to him as he went through the challenges of a premature birth. When he was laying in his bassinet, his breathing and heart rate were irregular. But a funny thing happened when they had him lay on their chests, especially “skin to skin”, his vital signs calmed right down, becoming very rhythmic and steady. The medical staff was pleasantly surprised at his progress. When room was needed for new admissions, he was chosen to move on to the next stop. No doubt in my mind that the skin time made a huge difference, doing better than the medical staff expected.
At six months old he still loved being held. During the day he slept much more soundly when he was wrapped in someone’s arms or laying on your chest. Yes, Grandpa loved his cuddle time!!
That’s the same picture we get from John 10:27-30, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
As you enjoy the warmth of the sun, remember to share the warmth of the Son, and the Father, as you tell the Gospel story, reminding everyone that we are wrapped in the arms of our Heavenly Father for eternity.
We invite you to partner with us to help Build the Kingdom.
Bill Burmeister
Church Extension Fund – Michigan District
800-242-3944 bill.burmeister@mi-cef.org
