JULY 11, 2012
Sweet Slumber
Read: Leviticus 26:1-12
I will
both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell
in
safety. —Psalm 4:8
Photographer Anne Geddes has made an art form out of taking
pictures
of sleeping babies. Her photos evoke smiles. Nothing is a better image
of
peace than a sleeping child.
But between naps and nighttime, caring for children is an
exhausting
and relentless responsibility. In their innocence and enthusiasm,
children
can get themselves into life-threatening situations in no time. After
a
hectic day of chasing, entertaining, protecting, feeding, dressing,
guarding,
guiding, and making peace between squabbling siblings,
parents are eager for
bedtime. After the toys are put away and the
pajamas are put on, the sleepy
toddler slows down, cuddles with mom
or dad for a bedtime story, and finally
falls asleep. Later, before putting
themselves to bed, parents check on their
children one more time to
make sure all is peaceful in dreamland. The serene
beauty of a sleeping
child makes all the day’s frustrations worthwhile.
scripture indicates that God’s ideal condition for His children
is peace
(Lev. 26:6), but too often in our immaturity we get into trouble and
cause conflict. Like parents of young children, God desires for us to
become
weary of wrongdoing and to rest in the safety and contentment
of His loving
ways.
Lord, help me not to squabble and cause friction
with others about unimportant matters.
May I instead find rest in Your love and wisdom,
and seek peace. Amen.
In His will is our peace. —Dante
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
