I enjoy giving my kids massages about once a week. I know that the movement and light pressure on their skin and muscles help with the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, thereby improving overall health. Plus, it’s an excuse for me to love on them in a tangible way. My kids have gotten so used to their weekly rub downs that they run to the massage table with smiles and eagerly stretch out ready to relax.
Once particular afternoon, the weather was very stormy. You could hear the rain beating down on the roof and the thunder rolling and lightening cracking outside. It was a great excuse for a massage, since we couldn’t go anywhere or play outside.
I usually massage my daughter first. She’s the youngest and her little frame makes her easy to massage. Then, I massage my middle boy. Finally, I massage my oldest son who is nine years old. He loves his massages and talks the entire time, knowing he has my full attention.
I listen to a Christian singer, Michelle Tumes, while I massage. I love the soft sound of her music and the promise-filled lyrics of her songs. I had to turn up the volume because the thunder and lightening roared outside. Inside my heart, I thought about how much beauty was in the moment–the roaring thunder mixed with the glorious music. My son must have shared my feelings.
He said, “Isn’t it amazing how it is thundering outside, but we are safe inside. It’s like God’s glory. Sometimes the world is dark and scary, but in God we are safe and surrounded by His love.”
Wow! What a precious thought from the lips of a nine year old. Yes, the world can be dark and scary, but in God we have nothing to fear. God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, so we could have an eternal relationship with Him. If the God of the Universe is with us in the middle of the storm, what do we have to fear?
Memory Verse:
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
– Psalm 118:6 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, teach me not to be afraid. I want to have my full trust invested in Your faithfulness. Though the world around me is dark, I know that I can find comfort and peace in Your presence. Help me to let go of my fear and rest in You….”
Contributing Writer:
Alisa Hope Wagner
Faith Imagined
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