Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Bring Back the Children ...

I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God
by Marjorie Holmes

Marjorie Holmes is my favorite inspirational writer. Her heartfelt and moving "conversations with God" touch on everyday life on subjects we all experience at one time or another.


I'd like to share this heartrending selection called "Bring Back the Children," from her book, I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God."

"Lord, it seems sometimes that my arms aren't long enough or my lap isn't big enough. I wish I could stretch my arms out and out to embrace all my children. These, here about the table now, and those who are away, off to their meetings or their dates or far away in their own homes.

I am suddenly aware of them, all of them wherever they are, and the excitement and wonder and pain of their lives are almost too much to comprehend.

I am so thrilled about them, so proud of them, and so worried about them too -- all at once. I want suddenly to reach out and touch them, the warmth of their flesh, the feel of their hair, to draw them physically in.

I want to hold them on my lap again, the big ones and the little ones, all at once. I want to tuck them in their beds under the same familiar roof. I want to lock the door and go to sleep knowing they're all safe in the shelter of this house.

Lord, I wish I could have all my children back ... now, this moment, at once. But since I can't, you who are everywhere, reach them for me and keep them safe in the shelter of my love."

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,
Getting one of her books is on my list of things to do!
How well she expresses and puts words of prayer to our thoughts!
Thanks for posting!

Julie @ Sweet Chaos said...

Thanks for sharing this. I don't have "grown" children, but my little ones are growing so quickly, I'm keenly aware of the desire to hold tight to them. I may print this prayer out and save it. Thanks!

Julie

Anonymous said...

Janie, I so loved todays post. Anyone who is a parent can identify with those words. I have five children, all grown and on their own. Oh, how I would love to gather them in my arms and tell them I love them, and how I want their lives to be happy. I know they know this, but it just feels good to give them some reinforcement.

Thanks for sharing with your beautiful post.

Jeanne

Picket said...

Morning girl..what a beautiful post to start the day..ohhh that hit so close to home for me..with my 5 all grown and gone my heart sometimes longs for the days when they were little and I could shelter them under my wings but I know God can do an even better job of sheltering than I could ever imagine...thanks for sharing this sweetie....have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Your post struck a tender nerve with me also! I am just starting to experience this sentiment as my daughter declares more and more independence from home and my rule! I see her for about 5 mins a day now and am getting a taste of what the near future is bringing! I may just have to pick up this book! It always helps to know you aren't alone!!! Have a great evening! Oh and one more thing, I want to reach right through the screen and grab one of those delicious looking peaches, a favorite fruit of mine!

Rue said...

This touched home, because Alex is 18. I'm not ready to hand him over to the world, but I know I have to.

Congratulations on the award :)

rue