When I’m Tired Before the Day Begins

I wake to the sound of little footsteps above me.

The pitter-patter that only comes from my three year-old.

Moments later- plop, plop down the stairs and two bright, smiling eyes peep over the bed.

Tiny fingers grasp the covers as she pulls and scrambles to my side.

Snuggled close, I feel my lips brush against her feverish head.

I should get up, start breakfast, grab a thermometer.

My quiet alone time with God has now been taken.

But I’m wrapped in the coziness of the covers (even with tiny toes gracing my ribs).

I’m worn and tired before the day begins.

And I find myself desperately needing the strength to just keep breathing, let alone get out of bed.

I recognize my longing for Him.

His voice. His joy. His grace and strength and peace and nearness.

And I hear the words of my truth-speaking husband ringing in my ears.

“Prayer is drawing near to God.”

I have always thought of prayer as communicating with God… pouring out all my requests and trying not to forget to pray for my friend’s cousin’s daughter… and, yes, making sure to praise Him and ask His forgiveness and ask for help for the day.

But it’s so much deeper and more intimate.

It’s our crying out to God. Our calling to Him in praise, in sorrow, in anguish. It’s our hearts seeking out and drawing close to the God of the universe- which He made with His fingers.

It’s here that we find Him.

Not in our babbling, or lengthy prayers- He already knows our needs. But in our utter desperation to show us what it is we even need.

And it is here that I meet Him.

With a feverish little lady tucked under my arms, with more and more footsteps being heard overhead, with my heart drawing closer to His.

And it is here that requests and hopes and dreams are given power, for they are in tune with His.

Who am I, a mommy tired before my feet touch the floor, that the Lord who made the heavens, would care for me!?

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?”
-Psalm 8:3-4

Draw near to Him today!

Linked to The Better Mom, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Titus 2sdays