“Can mama sing ‘Jesus loves Solomon'” I ask my baby boy as I am about to put him to sleep for the night.
He nods his head to the affirmative while wearing a knowing grin and I launch into our song, the one that I hope will remind him who he is and whose he is.
At the conclusion of our song, he gazes hopefully at my face and adds, “Moo, Moo, Moo Mama”?
Translation: Will you sing “Moon, Moon, Moon” mama?
And the answer, of course, is always yes. I will never NOT sing “Moon, Moon, Moon” to any of my babies. Even when they’re 35.
He lays his head on my chest as I launch into the start of our little ditty and he releases tension. I feel his little two-year-old body go limp in my arms, hear his breath sigh with a peace in knowing he is safe and can rest easy.
At the conclusion he asks, “Go again?” and without hesitation, I comply.
We sit there, swaying together in the evening light, mutually benefiting from this time. He being filled with his mother’s heart and me filled by his dependency, his need for this kind of love that only a mommy can give.
It occurs to me that I am resting in Him these days. This is the perfect visual for how I am pushing into God but in this case, I’m not the mommy. I’m in Solomon’s place.
I’m working through some things that are forcing discomfort as I discern what I think God is nudging me to pursue and laying down what needs to be placed at the altar.
It’s hard. I want to do it all.
But I can’t.
I’m just one. And yes, one can do a lot, but one can’t do everything. Nor should one do everything.
I am not being self-righteous – there are many who do what I do and in fact, do it much better. I’m not special. But at this time, I need to rest in Him. Listen to what He is saying. Perhaps pull out of anything that is like static on the station though that static might be a “good cause” or a “positive ministry.”
And it’s hard. I want to do it all.
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
I am weary and burdened. And I’m going to Him to try to place his yoke on my shoulders, the one that is easy and light.
On this Multitude Monday, my list of 1,000 things of gratitude continues…I am so thankful for:
151. Be still and know. There’s a reason why He said it.
152. A nudge to get “back to the basics” and remember just how simple it really is supposed to be before we cloud it all up with our in-the-flesh ways.
153. A sweet lullaby sung to a baby that is no longer a baby but will always be my baby.
154. Those who will selflessly listen
155. Rest…
156. Time with Him…
157. Tears that cleanse…
158. My “Yo Gabba Gabba” and a bunny crew…
Please notice Ellie in the background window. If I were versed in PhotoShop, I would add a thought bubble that read:
“Is this REALLY my fate? Really? Is this all there is? ” Poor thing.
159. Candy corn and peanut season is over. I will be working for the next month to erase signs of their visit…
160. A new month in which gratitude, even for the small things, will be a focus. And turkey.
May you rest in Him and be still this week as you listen to His call. May you have the gift of discernment. May you just know.
loved this post! thank you. and very cute family. :)
.-= Cat, from iBlog´s last blog ..This Weeks Faves =-.
Just like this morning at my house. Children in an uproar yesterday. Moments with Him this morning. He expresses that He knows EXACTLY. And gives me what I need to relax before the “adventure” of today.
I always love those quiet moments with the kiddos. I can’t sing, but my kids don’t seem to notice or care. I don’t know many songs, but they don’t seem to care. They just want that time of closeness…
Love the idea of the thought bubble for the dog, that is hilarious. And your family looks so cute!!!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..The 30 Day Giving Challenge =-.
Love, love, love that family picture. Priceless!
Yes, it’s difficult to surrender and sort out, isn’t it, that which is good from that which is best? I’m doing some of that myself, and one of the things to go for me soon will be Sugar Tails. I’ve giving myself through the end of the year for there are a couple of goals I have (for my kids). Then because I can be like an addict who can’t “just have a little,” I’ll be putting it down, positive ministry or no.
Hi Natalie! Thanks so much for linking up today… your family is precious!
You are not alone in how you are feeling right now. Relevant changed me, that’s for sure. I too am resting and sorting it all out.
Have a blessed week!
Jenny
Fantastic post. I am really in need of these kind of reminders this week. ~Jessica
.-= thesavingmom´s last blog ..MIA =-.
great post, I love this season, it brings us to a point of really being aware of the goodness in our life, things we are grateful for.
.-= marlece´s last blog ..blessed beyond! =-.
That’s awesome Natalie. I love when they ask us to sing or read to them. It’s hard as a mom to relax and give it over to God. I also want to know you eradicate the candy corn season from your home over the next month…I have my ideas and I’m assisting the children with this one.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Music Monday & Martha Mondays – A Match Made through Cleaning =-.
Fabulous post and great pictures! Blessings to you as your find your rest in Him.
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..A Wee Bit of Me =-.
Great post Natalie. I too treasure those moments of rocking my not so little “baby” at night with a song. Especially when his sweet little voice asks, “more, rock baby mommy, more?” ANYTIME! I love your visual of us being rocked by our sweet God. During this incredibly hard season I am in, I am so thankful for His ever constant support. I am so grateful He is carrying me through – just like I carry my little ones when they are tired and weary and still have so far to go.
Love the pic of the fam. and Ellie… oh Ellie… At least she is not beign tortured with a costume too. I have those pics where my dressed up kids are standing next to completly disgusted dressed up dogs. Their faces also read, “is this REALLY my fate!”
Thanks for the smiles this morning. I needed them!
Ah this: “And yes, one can do a lot, but one can’t do everything. Nor should one do everything”
Yes! But we can always give thanks…. Thank you for letting me praise with you!
All’s grace,
Ann