Mothers have a unique “child” given assignment. You won’t find it listed in any best selling parenting book. It just comes with the territory! We are to HOLD everything our child hands us. Be it books, pencils, drawings or tiny trinkets. Because Mom is the Keeper.
No one told my children to hand things over to me; they just seemed to sense I was the caretaker. It wasn’t unusual for me to walk out of church on a Sunday morning balancing all of their belongings. Why in the world was I holding all these things? They’d always find me in the church lobby after Sunday school and immediately pile every item they’d collected from class into my arms. Just so they could run off with their friends. And the crazy thing was, I willingly complied. I was the keeper, after all. And I wouldn’t dare lose what they entrusted to my care.
Some things were forgotten once we got home, but others were placed inside a wooden treasure box. It became their place for prized possessions over the years. You might ask the value of a collection of erasers and old keys; or Colts ticket stubs and various Pan Am pins from the 80’s. But those treasures were kept in safe keeping for many years. Now symbols of times past. Memories kept alive.
Today my grandchildren love to sort through the “valuables” their Dads collected as boys. This mom hasn’t yet discarded the boxes or all of their contents, you see. Some moms are just that sentimental!
But now I’m reminded it’s me who needs to be handing things over. The stress of the Covid-19 pandemic has probably left all of us carrying way too much on our own. We weren’t created for that. It isn’t just the normal things of life that weigh us down anymore. Now we have a virus totally disrupting our lives. Whether it be our worries about the future, our longing for a more peaceful world, or our children themselves, we cannot hold on to them. We must let go. We are not in control. Repeat: We are not in control.
The Lord is the Blessed Controller of all things. He is the One who watches over our families, and He promises to perfect what concerns us. Can we trust that He holds those things (or people) safely within His care? It’s pure childlike faith when we can give it over to Him. It’s what trust is all about.
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:8
We learn from Scripture that one of the names for God is Keeper. The Bible tells us that He who keeps you will not slumber for He continually watches over your going out and your coming in. That’s a promise to hold onto!
What freedom we find as we release situations and people into His hands. Even when we can’t see or feel it, He is working! He takes our concerns and makes something beautiful in the process.
My sons didn’t worry about what they gave to me. Once Mom held their things, they were free to go on. Jesus said we should be like children who trust with pure abandon. Why is it that growing up causes me to take things back from my Father’s hands? I surrender in moments of faith; only to take back in times of fear. As if I could do anything better with it! Can we believe He really does keep whatever we commit to Him. Whatever we release into His hands?
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to KEEP that which I have committed to Him until the day of His return. 2 Timothy 1:12
So lately as I pray, I’ve been picturing my Father holding things for me. As I release my grip, His loving hands remove the concerns right out of my hands. He holds them in His treasure box for safe keeping. He’s working behind the scenes and doing something greater than I could ever do alone. More than just keeping. He is perfecting!
Do you see Him standing over you as you open your hands in prayer? He has a box in His hands designed to hold all of your concerns. Even your kids themselves. He is watching over you and your family so you don’t need to worry. Jesus wants to do our heavy lifting these days because He knows we all could use a little rest.
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. I Peter 5:7
Great message Karen, so many familiar scriptures that have been my refuge over the years.
I’m going through something that is very painful right now and I’m trying to commit this unto the Lord, praying that all thing’s will work together for good. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Hugs ???? Carol
Thank you, Carol. I’m sorry you were going through a painful situation and will pray for you. I’m sorry I’m just seeing this comment. This
website can be challenging. Hope all is well, dear friend.