CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON -- The Moral of the Story

“It is blessed to know of a place where we can lay our tired head and

heart, our heavenly Father’s arms, and say to Him, ‘I can do no more. And

I have nothing to tell you. May I lie here awhile and rest? Everything

will soon be well again if I can rest in Your arms awhile.’ ”

-- O. Hallesby

It was a whirlwind week, and I was whirled out. I’d been blessed with

wonderful house guests and company, but the extra meetings, meals and

trips to the mall added up and subtracted my energy. By Friday night I

was deeply tired and ready for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, my

body didn’t cooperate. I must have eaten something that didn’t agree with

me, because it left me uncomfortable and mostly unable to sleep.

I tiptoed down the hall to one of our daughters’ rooms so I wouldn’t

wake my husband. I dozed on and off, but woke up the next morning clearly

remembering a dream. The dream was really a vivid memory of a time in my

childhood when I was sick.

I was probably about five-years-old and we were at my family’s cottage

in northern Wisconsin. I think I had the chicken pox, and I clearly

recall my mother putting me in my parents’ big bed and covering me with

their big quilt. I remember mom sitting next to me, stroking my hair and

singing to me. I know I was physically uncomfortable, but I felt so cozy

and cared for that it almost didn’t seem to matter.

I thought of that in the morning and how safe and special I had felt.

I was just a little girl, but in such a big bed with such tender care, I

felt like a queen. I closed my eyes and tried to rewind and replay that

memory. It passed through my mind fleetingly, but then I got up and tried

to go on a bike ride with my husband and friends. I soon realized I

needed to turn around and head home.

My stomach was less upset as the morning wore on, but I was tired

enough for a short nap. The dream or memory returned and I thought about

it a lot as I moved slowly through the day. That afternoon I looked

outside and my backyard beckoned me. It was a day that God cooked to

perfection, with just the right combination of white clouds, warm sun and

a gentle breeze. I never just do nothing in the middle of the day, but I

wasn’t capable of much else. I took a big fluffy quilt and soft pillow

and headed outside to a chaise lounge.

I fell asleep and napped more deeply and peacefully than I ever recall

doing before. I woke up feeling so cozy and cared for. I looked up at

the wisps of clouds and felt protected. I closed my eyes, and while the

breeze swept over me I heard the gentle cooing of lovebirds.

I realized God was right there stroking my hair with the wind and

singing to me through the birds. The fragrance of flowers reminded me of

my mother’s perfume. I rolled over and rested in my Heavenly Father’s

arms a little longer.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.