God's Hand

The little girls have been here a lot lately, having what they like to call "sleepovers." They've done so well with all the upheaval in their lives lately. Friday night was another sleepover, along with their brother as well.

Their M.O. is to get ready for bed, get into their little sleeping bags on the family room floor, be sure I'm on the couch right above their heads, watch a movie for a little while, then drift off to sleep, after prayers and good-nights.

This worked really well last week. Friday night not so much for Feisty. I soon realized that her sudden fear of the darkness stemmed from the fact that we'd had the Christmas lights on every night last week when they were falling asleep. In fact, I left them on all night. (BTW, if there was ever any doubt that we need a new couch, it was dispelled after this long stretch of sleeping on it!).

Feisty wanted to sleep with someone. I reminded her that Care Bear was right beside her on the floor. But she wanted to sleep "with a grown-up." I told her that there wasn't enough room on the couch for both of us. She then wanted to hold someone's hand. I reminded her that Care Bear was right beside her on the floor, and would be glad to hold her hand. Only problem - Care Bear was already asleep and facing the other direction. So I moved my body to have my head on the other end of the couch and reached down to hold her sweet little soft hand.

When I thought her breathing had reached deep sleep sounds, I carefully slipped my hand out of hers, remembered to remove Care Bear's glasses, and tried to settle down for the remainder of the night. Feisty woke up with a start and said, "Grandma, I don't have your hand any more!" I quickly clasped her hand again, and she was soon sound asleep.

I lay there awake for quite awhile after that thinking of the parallel with our lives - how much we want God to reach down and hold our hands, to help us through fear, through trauma, through trials. Many songs began to go through my head.

Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

Time is filled with swift transition

Naught of earth unmoved can stand

Build your hopes on things eternal

Hold to God's unchanging hand

Precious Lord Take My Hand

Words & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.

He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me, he leadeth me,

By his own hand he leadeth me:

His faithful follower I would be,

For by his hand he leadeth me.

The Touch of His Hand on Mine

Oh, the touch of His hand on mine,

Oh, the touch of His hand on mine.

There is grace and power, in the trying hour,

In the touch of His hand on mine.

And then - today's choir song:

Strong in the strength of someone else,

Trusting a hand that never has failed.

Living a life of spiritual wealth,

Strong in the strength of someone else.

The fact that the touch of my hand could soothe little Feisty into sweet rest gave me the most wonderful feeling in my soul that God is indeed keeping us and those little babies in His hand, and will be with all of us every step of the way - as He has been since these babies were conceived, and as He will be throughout the rest of our lives.

NOTE: Kristen DID change my look from her hospital room with that laptop they provided so kindly - and her own as well. She's amazing!