Today, I’ve asked my amazing mother-in-law, Doris Ann Musser, to share a few of her thoughts that were inspired from what she observed in a church service a few years ago. I think you will appreciate her thoughts.

Sitting quietly on the back row of church today, I was following the order of service with a blank brain. Pastor announced a hymn. The couple in front of me stood.

Child was immediately on the chair reaching arms to Mother. In one swoop that probably had happened numerous times already, Mother moved Child around to the front of her body naturally, supporting her with clasped arms.

Child snuggled into that special place on Mother’s shoulder as her head leaned against Mother’s soft neck. Her face was a picture of trust and happiness. Her little arms went around Mother’s back as she gently and slowly rubbed up and down. From time to time her arms simply hung limp, confident in Mother’s hold. Movement varied from tight hugs around Mother’s long pretty hair, to nesting in her shoulder with dangling arms.

During this whole time Mother was rocking side to side continuously in tempo with the music in a methodical rhythm. It was apparent this routine had happened frequently over several years. Child was much older than a baby. Her shoe tips hung almost to Mother’s knees. One never gets too old to desire being held by Mother.

In those moments, Child had no worries or cares. I was admiring a beautiful portrait. A lovely picture of perfect peace.

Tension was leaving my body. Oblivious to the music and worshipers, I was drawn into the scenes before me.

            Loving, comfortable,

                        warm, natural, easy

                                    and precious in God’s sight plus mine.

God spoke to me silently.

“You are looking at a picture representing my Son.

Come to Him for support, encouragement, and forgiveness.

Jump into His open arms eagerly.

I sent Him for this purpose…to receive and comfort the needy and hurting.

Believe in Him. He will hold you tightly and never let go.

Your arms will be free to pass His love to others while He holds you.

It’s good and proper to cling to Him, but I know there are times when you are weary and drop your arms like that precious Child.

Never fear.

His hold is firm and reassuring.

He moves and sways with you until you are at peace.

His arms are gentle and strong.

He loves you.”

Did you see what I saw??

DORIS ANN MUSSER has been sharing her creative talents for 87 years, spanning the globe from Lewisburg, West Virginia, to Brazil, France, Haiti, and China, and back to Kentucky where she lives now. She has her one and only, Harvey, waiting for her in heaven, but remains delightfully busy on earth keeping up with her five children, their spouses, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-two great grand-children at last count. She has friends around the world and loves all things Mickey and Charlie Brown.