“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for our souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. (NKJV).
She stretched her back, then rolled her shoulders. For three days she'd kept vigil at her little daughter's bedside.
She leaned against the bed, closed her eyes.
“Mama, will you rock me and tell me a story?” The child’s hoarse whisper slashed the silence. She lifted her daughter to her lap.
“Mama, will you rock me and tell me a story?” The child’s hoarse whisper slashed the silence. She lifted her daughter to her lap.
With the child snuggled against her, she whispered. “Once upon a time—"
“No, Mama, a story about Jesus.”
“Ah. The Lord Jesus loved the little children. One day, when children were brought to Him to be blessed, the disciples complained. But He said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hands on them and blessed them.’ He loved them."
“No, Mama, a story about Jesus.”
“Ah. The Lord Jesus loved the little children. One day, when children were brought to Him to be blessed, the disciples complained. But He said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hands on them and blessed them.’ He loved them."
“Does He love me, too, Mama?”
“Indeed He does, my darling. He loves His children.” She began to sing Jesus Loves Me. Before the song ended, she felt the little body relax, her breathing regular. She kissed the forehead, now cool.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus.” She closed her eyes, sighed. Now she could rest.
“That really happened, didn’t it?”
Grandfather nodded. “When my sister was little.”
“Why didn’t the doctor come?”
“He did—gave medicine but she was really sick.”
“Her mother stayed near her for three days? She must have been tired.”
“There’s something about a mother’s love, Timmy. She feels the pain of her child. She won’t leave. She stays by her side, to pat her, to sing to her…”
“Why?”
“She wants her to know she’s loved and never left alone.”
“The Lord Jesus must teach mothers. You know, the verse we love? His promise to love us and never leave us.”
Grandfather swallowed, his eyes glistening. “Absolutely, son. Absolutely.” He hugged his grandson.
Kingdom Thinking. When I doubt His love, I remember I tried to be good. Do the right thing. Failed. Finally, I gave up, lifted my arms up to Him in surrender. Instead of condemning me, He pulled me into His loving arms. He promises His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Not just for me but for you, too. Won't you come?