But soon after, the gloom started to set in. J was crying most of the day. I felt like we'd gone back 3 months to those days when he cried all day and I wound up crying with him. I tried to shake the clouds off, but as the day ran on...and on...I got more and more weary.
When R came home he knew it had been a long day. Not even he and the kids singing "Rejoice In the Lord Always" kicked it. You know the one place I failed to look today for cloud chasers? The one place I should have looked first!
R and the kids gave me a new Bible for my birthday. I've been wanting a slim line one that would easily fit in the diaper bag or my purse. They found one. "The Busy Mom's Bible"...excellent choice. Throughout the Bible there are mini studies. I opened tonight to this one, "Beyond Discouragement-A Crown."
"In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people." (Isaiah 28:5)
The study spoke to my discouraged heart. "God promises to adorn us with his glory, to encircle our bowed and tired heads with this magnificent crown; his presence...When you feel discouraged or oppressed, picture God's presence, like a beautiful crown, resting on you and strengthening you."
Lord, open my eyes to your presence resting on me. I don't know why I so often need reminders of your loving presence, but I praise you for providing them when my heart is in need. I rejoice in the blessings from my day...the laughter at swim lessons, the smiles, hugs and "I love you's" from my precious children, a husband who cares enough to sing "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!" to brighten the day, and a beautiful 4 month old who now sleeps peacefully beside me. Thank you Lord for holding my family and I in your hand today.
