I Will Hold You
Strawberry-picking can be a great multigenerational experience, but requires careful preparation. Juggling the bug spray, sunscreen, hats, kneeling pads, camera, baskets, snacks and other do-dads to the ripening fields can exhaust adults even before arrival. Despite every good intention, taking a tiny tot along can throw off any well-scripted game plan in a flash.
When my husband, AKA “Grampie” and I first took our 3-year-old granddaughter to such an adventure we believed we had covered every possibility. We took our gear and drove to the nearby fruit farm. After parking, we dutifully followed our Guide to a distant open row, settling into the plucking routine.
Almost immediately our charge declared an obvious, overlooked need. She had to use the bathroom. Of course. Grasping her hand in mine, we skipped over rows and rows of plants and lots busy people to the distant “Blue Potty House” (singing made-up words to the not-so-well-known “Blue Potty House” song).
Grateful for field owner’s gracious provision, we chatted merrily making haste to stave off any urgency. I prayed as we went along for an odor-free, clean interior with abundant hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Emphasizing the one main rule: “don’t touch anything!”
I helped perch her miniature frame over what seemed a gigantic gaping hole, requiring my masterful balance and firm grip. Lest she squirm and touch, I sternly looking into her eyes and said, “I will hold you.”
By the time her business finished, it became necessary for Grammie to swap places. Once carefully seated, my wee partner grasped my knees, proclaiming sincerely, “I will hold you!”
How comforting to be held in our time of need! Reliance on our own clever strategies alone above trusting God to meet every need limits God’s potential to bless us fully. When unexpected life-events threaten to trip us up, our imagined experience is altered and we become unhappy – or worse, angry.
Disasters large or small need not cause our falling to pieces as we hold fast to a Savior who lovingly and firmly holds onto US.
The prophet Isaiah proclaims:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
These words are woven into many events throughout our lifetime, even on a trip to an outdoor facility. ;) What a blessing to embrace God’s faithful promises and to share them with subsequent generations, even during simple activities like picking strawberries.
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.
On Eagles' Wings - CW 440
