Little Arms

It been a healing week of hugging little ones, and God hugs me back with the arms of small children. When little arms are wrapped around my neck I feel Him loving me.

I had time this week to sit with my toddler friends. Our infant numbers were low and so staff was been shuffled to keep the center running smoothly. The wonderful thing about the toddler room is these children were our babies not so long ago. They are used to climbing into my arms and they already know I love them. Sometimes they cry when I leave the room. (Breaks my heart!)

I've said it before, "Life is complicated," and it's true. I was telling a friend that I often wish I could go back in time and do things differently. They responded with, "You'd just have different problems." My friend is right. The best I can do is to let my experiences, good and bad, be teachers. I can grow through the pain, and hopefully one day use what I learn to help and encourage someone else, because even the toughest of problems aren't totally unique to me. There is always someone in a similar situation who needs a listening ear, and perhaps a shoulder to cry on.

I am learning and growing. It may be painful, but I know I will be okay. I have not been left alone, because Jesus isn't like that. He promised to be here always, and He is. He is with me. My biggest fears and heartaches are always for my children. I can't fix their brokenness or heal their wounds. I can't take away their pain or make the way forward easy, but I can cheer them on. I can set an example, and I can always, always love them. Sometimes that's all we really need, to be loved and encouraged.