A time to caregive

May 8, 2022

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God, our parent,
you know what it is
to hold your children close.
Thank you for the early morning snuggles
with my sweet child–
for the way she wiggled her feet
under my legs to warm her toes
and whispered
“Mama, on my next birthday I’m going to be this many”
as she raised five fingers and held them close to my face.
Thank you for these moments
of joy and connection–
for we need them when the going gets tough.

Psalm 73:23-24 I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

January 4, 2022

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Jesus,
you called the children to your side
and acknowledged their beautiful spirits
and curious simple faith,
may I remember
that my children are children–
your children–
because sometimes I forget
and I have so much to learn from them,
if I pay attention.

,

Luke 18:15-17 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”

November 13, 2021

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Father of lights,
One who delights in your children,
thank your for blessing us with the children in our lives–
the wonderful, wiggly, curious, stubborn, playful, infuriating, irrational, original, loving,
little people created in your image.
Teach us to parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, and friend them well.
Guide us in love
because they are yours.

, ,

James 1:16-17: So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.

Psalm 149: 1-4:
Hallelujah!
Sing to God a brand new song,
praise him the company of all who
love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign
Creator.
Zion’s children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
Strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because God delights in his
people;
adorns plain folk with salvation
garlands!