Out of the mouths of babes

I’m in Texas spending time with our son Nathaniel and his family and getting to know our newest grandchild, Mary. I’m loving the sweetness of holding a newborn snuggled in my arms, as well as the enthusiasm, boundless energy, and creativity of Mary’s three older siblings.

But my heart is also heavy with concern for dear friends back home and their family members who are battling Covid right now, and for two other friends who are hospitalized with very serious heart issues. This morning I was sitting with Paul, Elizabeth, and Samuel while they were eating breakfast, and at one point, was silently praying for our friends and feeling the weight of so many hurting people. I became aware that 2 year old Samuel, who is usually quiet, was singing over and over, “Let not your hearts be troubled…”

Those words from John 14:1 have stayed in my mind all day, reminding me that we don’t need to be troubled, because Jesus is with us. He tells us we will have trouble in this world, but that in him we can have peace, because he has overcome the world. I pray for this peace for our friends and others who are struggling with the challenges of this time.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14: 1

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2