Her tears quickly soak the hair on the nape of my neck as I meet her in the hallway and scoop her into my arms. She sobs husky into my shoulder and clings tight, long legs wrapped around my waist.
Her cries have wakened me from a dream of my own, and I feel shaky myself standing there, blinking rapidly and patting her back.
Shhhhhh, precious, I whisper as we enter her room. It's all right now, Mama has you. Shhhhhhh.
I lay her back on the pillow and her arms fling frantic in the semi-dark, groping for me. I slide under the covers next to her and hold tight.
I'm scared, Mama- it's so dark! Don't leave! Don't leave... I soothe with hands through her hair, across her cheek, around her waist. I rub her back, my fingers tracing her spine and massaging shoulders. I'm scared... Don't leave me all alone in the dark! she sobs again, and I pull her chin up towards my face.
Tell me a True Thing, Eliana, I say firmly, and she quiets, breath coming shaky but slower.
You are with me, she gulps.
I smile and tuck her into my shoulder. What else? Tell me another True Thing, my girl.
God is with me. And I'm safe. My nightlight is on. And I like to make soup for Daddy!
Even in the dark, I feel her smile. Tell me a True Thing, Mama! What is true? I slide off the bed and begin to tuck and smooth the covers.
It is true that the Lord grants sleep to the ones that He loves. And it is so very true that He loves you!
We hug close, I whisper a prayer over her and pull the gossamer curtain around her bed and turn to the door.
Mama? she murmurs, blessed sleep coming quicker than I thought it would.
I pray over my girl's room, my hand lingering on the doorframe. And I know He would have me listen deep...
Today when tasks are overwhelming, when the toddler interrupts school work for the hundredth time, when dinner is late and husband has an evening meeting and the house is in chaos.... I will tell myself a True Thing.
Or twenty.
He loves me. He is with me. This will get easier. I will survive. I'll get better at this, if I work at it. I will find the time to work at it. The house is in chaos, but our home is intact. Eventually, they will all be asleep. And so will I. For He grants sleep to the ones that He loves.
I am blessed.
Her cries have wakened me from a dream of my own, and I feel shaky myself standing there, blinking rapidly and patting her back.
Shhhhhh, precious, I whisper as we enter her room. It's all right now, Mama has you. Shhhhhhh.
I lay her back on the pillow and her arms fling frantic in the semi-dark, groping for me. I slide under the covers next to her and hold tight.
I'm scared, Mama- it's so dark! Don't leave! Don't leave... I soothe with hands through her hair, across her cheek, around her waist. I rub her back, my fingers tracing her spine and massaging shoulders. I'm scared... Don't leave me all alone in the dark! she sobs again, and I pull her chin up towards my face.
Tell me a True Thing, Eliana, I say firmly, and she quiets, breath coming shaky but slower.
You are with me, she gulps.
I smile and tuck her into my shoulder. What else? Tell me another True Thing, my girl.
God is with me. And I'm safe. My nightlight is on. And I like to make soup for Daddy!
Even in the dark, I feel her smile. Tell me a True Thing, Mama! What is true? I slide off the bed and begin to tuck and smooth the covers.
It is true that the Lord grants sleep to the ones that He loves. And it is so very true that He loves you!
We hug close, I whisper a prayer over her and pull the gossamer curtain around her bed and turn to the door.
Mama? she murmurs, blessed sleep coming quicker than I thought it would.
It is so very true that I love you.
I pray over my girl's room, my hand lingering on the doorframe. And I know He would have me listen deep...
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
Today when tasks are overwhelming, when the toddler interrupts school work for the hundredth time, when dinner is late and husband has an evening meeting and the house is in chaos.... I will tell myself a True Thing.
Or twenty.
He loves me. He is with me. This will get easier. I will survive. I'll get better at this, if I work at it. I will find the time to work at it. The house is in chaos, but our home is intact. Eventually, they will all be asleep. And so will I. For He grants sleep to the ones that He loves.
I am blessed.
repost from the archives
6 fellow travelers shared:
This is my favorite blog to read, I love your stories, they always touch and encourage me. I wish I could write like you do. God bless!
Bless you dear Mama. When I read a story to my after school children I put up a poster board and ask them to "tell me one thing". It is my favorite activity to do with them! Blessings to you during this time of nurturing and nest building.
so thankful for these repostings...for the reminder to speak true things to myself and my kids. Love you and praying for you!
Oh my goodness! Congratulations! I've been gone from the blogging world for a bit. So happy for you and thank you for sharing this story once again. It touched a chord in me the first time, and again. Blessings & praying for your strength in the days ahead. Hugs!
ginger
Elise, I am praying for you with that sweet new baby and house full too. I have taken on using the term "let me tell you something *true*" at my childrens' bedtimes. I have treasured reading from you and traveling this journey with you! Did I read about "Little Pillows" here? I read them to our 2 little girls at bedtime. warmly from Mary Brooke
Ever since I read this post, I try to tell myself a true thing (or 10) a day. Any time I feel overwhelmed, confused, anxious, etc... I stop and tell myself a true thing.
Love you lady. <3
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