Resting in the Arms

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:44:46 +0000

I can still remember holding my kids as infants in my arms outstretched. Looking down at them with a deep love and passion that welled up from within. Seeing there little ears, nose, fingers. Watching their chest expand and contract with breath moving in and out. Feeling the warmth of their very selves pressed against my arms- my hands held out, palms up, their very being resting with peace.

When I get anxious or impatient with myself and the pace of change that seems to crawl forward slowly… ticking… away… I find this image of my children held in my arms a potent reminder. How might I be still and gentle with myself? Each moment they were being transformed beyond my awareness, as I am being transformed as well. Not knowing how the cells and muscles and sinews were forming into the person they will become. Did I expect them to grow and develop overnight with the snap of a finger? I waited patiently, coaxing the stages of development that emerged and enjoying each literal and figurative step along the way.

To stay centered I often find this image of holding, accepting, and embracing to be transformative as I reflect on Spirit’s work in me. Recently I found a simple prayer song taken from the Psalms a resting place as I offer my very being into the flow of Spirit as much as I am able. It says, “In the heart of God, calm and quiet is my soul … as a little child, resting in its mother’s arms…” (You can listen to it here- In the Heart of God– Stephen Iverson)

Spirit, may you work with gentleness and love as you hold me and energize me with transformation. Let me be open and free and rest in the reality that your work is happening even if beyond the scope of my daily awareness. May I resonate with the invitation to be calm and quiet and rest in your arms as you do this work.

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centering – Leadership Cohort

Resting in the Arms