What would life be like if I feared God above all else? What if I became a “yes wife” and a “yes mom”? What if I chose to smile at the matchbox cars at the foot of my bed, diapers littering the bathroom floor, and the apples slices stuck to the wall like magnets? What if I hummed as I did the dishes? What if I wrapped my chipped fingernails around the little socks that are always unmatched? What if I turned toward my husband instead of away when he tells me I’m beautiful?
What if?
During the Christmas break, we bundled up in our winter garb – sometimes right over our pajamas – and walked around in God’s glorious creation. On one of our outings, in the middle of a vacant field, on a lonely branch, sat the most magnificent cardinal. It’s fiery, red feathers stuck out as if someone decided to run stark naked through the field.
I couldn’t help but think of the vulnerability and the beauty entwined together in that moment. That bird in all its beauty was completely vulnerable. It was the only thing my eye could see. It was the only thing my eye wanted to see.
As we passed, I was reminded of our vulnerability and our nakedness before God. Just as that bird rested courageously on the bare branches of a maple tree, we must rest in all our nakedness in the arms of our Father.
I must relinquish all control. I must give up on efficiency. I must give in to a slower pace. I must revel in the moments of quiet, and I must be exhilarated by the moments of chaos. To sit at the table instead of standing at the counter for each meal would ensure a moment to savor. I must sprawl across the living room floor and let my little boy crawl all over me.
But more than that I must sit at the feet of Jesus. I must wallow in His word. I must drink His promises. I must hold fast to His truths.
May we be willing to sit stark naked on the branches of God’s promises this year.
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This post is linked to Homemakers Challenge.
About Leigh Ann
Beautifully written Leigh Ann. What a simple focus to have for this year.
Thank you, Nikki! I pray I can keep it forefront all year. That’s going to take some work, but the Lord is at work!
Beautiful Leigh Ann. I love it!
Thanks, Mindy!
Of course I have to immediately read a post with the word NAKED in it.
But, fabulously written.
Ha! Love it! Thanks for reading, Stacy!
So true! Vulnerability = honesty. Hard to do!
Yes, very, very hard to do. This is a huge challenge for me right now. So huge that I think it might be a focus for me this year….