It had been a stressful day at work. I admit an exhausted sigh may have slipped from my lips as I took off my high-heeled pumps and left my office bag at the door. A seemingly endless list of unfinished home chores vied for my attention. Little tummies would soon begin to growl, and boys (both little and big) would ask, “what’s for supper?” So I flew into taking care of what I thought was the first necessity – dinner.
Cooking pots clanged a noisy melody as I pulled them out of the cabinet, simultaneously surveying options through an open refrigerator door. My laser light focus on dinner preparation was interrupted by a soft, pleading voice behind me.
“Hold me, Mama. Hold me!”
My eyes settled on the precious brown-eyed little boy standing in the middle of the kitchen, his hands raised toward me as he repeated his request, “hold me!”
I closed the refrigerator door, left the pots on the counter, and scooped my little boy up into my arms. Dinner was no longer the most item on the to-do list. Though I have zero vocal talent, my children loved for me to hold them, dance around the room, and sing (off-key as it may have been) the few lines that I remember hearing as a child:
“Hold me, hold me
Never let me go until you’ve told me, told me
What I want to know, and then just hold me, hold me….”Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Mel Carter 1965
This partial stanza is as much of Mel Carter’s hit that I remember. Disclaimer: I was seven years old in 1965. While the Miller interpretation of the lyrics was not in line with the writer’s intended romantic meaning, it was a perfect fit for our mother-son dances and always made my little boys giggle. Ah, sweet memories that make this Momma’s heart happy.
I rejoice that God is never too busy to scoop me up and hold me close. He isn’t too busy or too tired to spend time with me. When I go to Him asking that He “hold me,” my heavenly Father lovingly picks me up, holds me, and even sings over me.
“The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
As much as I will always do my very best to be there for my children, there may be times that I can not be what they need. I praise God that He will be there for me and hold me close:
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Psalm 27:10 NLT
Like a little child, I can cling to God:
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 ESV
Today, as I celebrate the joy of motherhood, I thank God for allowing me to be the mother of two amazing sons; they are my pride and joy. I thank Him for my Mom, who has given me wise counsel and unconditional love throughout my life. I am forever grateful for all the women He placed in my life to teach and love me. Most of all, I thank God for loving me, scooping me up into His arms, and welcoming me into His family through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
A mother’s love is exceptional, but nothing compares to the love of God. Isaiah 43:4a:
“…you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you”
Children are the ultimate gift of motherhood. The result is pure and deep love. Love is the supreme gift from God, as He welcomes us into His eternal family.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1a
When you are weary, go to the One who loves you best. God gave His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, that we could enjoy a relationship with Him. He longs to hold you, loves you more than you can comprehend, and even sings over you! God is never too busy, and He is just waiting for you to ask. Let Him hold you today.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs