The Mess of Motherhood: Leaning on Your Good Father to Figure It All OutShembull

Behind Elevator Doors

I love holding you. 

It is my joy to be the Great Servant of all, the Great Lover of all. To belong to all, yet still be yours alone. 

Any space is ours, our home and shelter. The meeting room, filled with your nervous energy, this elevator crammed with others. I can find you anywhere. I follow you, and I lead you, and I teach you how to follow while I lead. It is beautiful. You are beautiful. 

Keep your eyes closed. Can you see it? Can you hear it? I know you can. You are surrounded by love. You are surrounded by beauty— and joy—even here. You are surrounded by voices raised in singing, souls lifted up, dancing. It is time to worship, my dear, as I wash your feet, now and evermore.

Stand tall now. Raise your hands. Lift your voice, your whole soul singing out. You can’t help but do it. You are made to serve and be served, to dance with God. You are made to be completely with me. This is what restores you, heals you, fills you so love overflows from your whole self. 

Ask me for myself. It is not too much. 

But I shall ask for you in return. 

There is no such thing as half of love.

Exercise & Prayer

Where do you feel the presence of God? Go to that place, do that thing, with care and intention. Picture the ways he gives himself for you. Ask him how you can give yourself, fully present, in return.

Jesus, remove my hesitation to be present with you. Help me want to experience your closeness; help me want to worship you without reservation. Help me enter into your presence and receive your grace—your Spirit filling me with your joy, hope, and peace. Let me live in this sacred space with you, no matter where I am. Help me practice worshipping you in all situations, in all places. Let me fall more deeply in love with you. In your name I pray, Amen.