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Shalom.
Sometimes we do not know what things will affect our children and why. And when they affect and impact our children, sometimes we can be surprised at how long they will retain the memories.
That’s why it’s imperative to walk out Jesus in front of our children 24/7, not just while we’re in front of other people, or at church.
Case in point, our 7-year old Esther Ruth. We were snuggling in my big bed yesterday afternoon, just talking and enjoying each other. She made an off-handed remark that took my breath away. We were talking about songs and Esther Ruth began to sing a song that I was unfamiliar with. I asked her about it and she said “This is the song that I heard all the time when you were in the hospital.”
Now, there are no “off-limit” topics, especially ones concerning my struggle with cancer (Acute Leukemia) and the fact that several times I was expected to die during the first 5 weeks of my treatment. I encourage my family to be open and forthcoming with their feelings and how my life-and-death battle affected THEM. However, when my children relate their struggle and the emotions that they felt, it floors me. You see, cancer affects not only the patient, but all those around the patient.
Back to yesterday. Sweet little Esther Ruth calmly related how she first heard the song she was singing to me; she said “When you were away in the hospital for so long and I was crying for you, Rachel would hold me in her lap and sing this song to me. And she sang it soft when I was crying.”
I felt the tears burn and sting as I closed my eyes and pictured my eldest daughter, then 16, holding her sister then 4, and Rachel singing and rocking Esther Ruth in her lap. All this happened as I lay in the hospital unaware of their suffering and fear.
Little things mean a lot. Even in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Sometimes, little things are all we can offer and sometimes we withold those little things because we think they are not enough.
But Jesus gives us an example of giving of ourselves to those who need something, even just a little thing.
A soft word. A gentle touch. A prayer. A hand to hold. A listening ear. A smile. A comforting lap and a soft song sung to calm the tears and fears of a precious little one.
What little things can we do in Jesus’ Name for one another today?
~~In Messiah,
Vickilynn
Micah 6:8
About Vickilynn Parnes
