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The first time I met her I wasn’t a big fan. I had interviewed the pediatrician, not his nurse. Her lack of eye contact, abrupt manner, and apparent dislike for her job were irrelevant at this point. According to “What to Expect the First Year”, my one week old, first-born son required a doctor’s appointment. It was too late to find another doctor just because I didn’t love his nurse.

Fortunately, visit after visit, my understanding of her grew. I complimented her when I could, cracking through her tough shell. Soon sarcasm and humor became our bonding method. Now four boys later, when I hear her voice calling us back to the examination room, I am thankful.

She isn’t to the “birthday party” invite level of friendship, but now I can share my thoughts freely and she cares. For example, the day I warned, “If the doctor says ONE thing about how I need to stretch out Knox’s feedings from every 2 hours to 3 hours…let him know I have my lecture ready.  My husband is traveling, I have the three other boys,  and my feeding schedule works for me…Just make sure he knows.” She has my back. The doctor sheepishly opened the door and cautiously asked how I was doing. Fortunately (for him) there was no mention of ‘spacing feedings’ that visit.

A few weeks ago when I asked about her high school twins she leaned in and whispered, “I just wanted you to know, I’ve taken another job. It’s more administrative and less stressful. I love the people and families I work with here, but I have some health issues and need to slow down and rest.” She shared more details. More of her concerns.

I mentioned the book, “One Thousand Gifts”, finding God’s gifts of grace even in the challenges of life. Then I felt God prodding my heart to share what He had been teaching me about fear connected to negativity. And this verse:

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12

For me, when fears creep back into my brain, I hold this picture up in defense …the Lord shielding me, His loved one, and snuggly resting between His strong, capable shoulders. Whom shall I fear?

photo credit

Do fears keep attacking? Know that He shields you ALL. DAY. LONG.

Are you weary? Do you need a place to rest while still meeting the needs of little ones? Climb up between His shoulders and rest in His ability. Just like a child who is tires of walking, trust His strength to hold you up and trust His knowledge to lead you where you need to go.

I love the little girl in the picture above. How she is free to look around. Wouldn’t it be great if by resting between His shoulders I could “let go” of my need to control everything and be free to just look around. Enjoy the beauty of my family and the blessings of my life. Will you join me? I’m pretty sure God’s shoulders are broad enough to hold us both.