My very favorite thing as a parent is when tired little Elliott crawls into my lap and lets me rock him.  He grabs a blanket, snuggles into my lap, and lets me stroke his hair as he falls in and out of sleep.  It’s such a gift when my little boy chooses me, chooses to seek me out for comfort and rest.  I want it to last forever.  I’m afraid to move for fear it’ll all go away and he’ll move on to something more exciting.

Lately I’ve been crawling into my Father’s lap in the afternoon while Elliott is taking his nap.  I grab my favorite fuzzy blanket and lay on the couch.  I read the Bible or some of Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and just listen to my Daddy, my Abba.  I pour out my fears, tell Him about the big decisions and issues I have, thank Him for loving me.  I usually fall in and out of sleep.  I used to feel guilty about sleep-praying, but I see it differently now.  Have I ever gotten mad at Elliott for falling asleep in my arms?  Have I ever been hurt by his inability to keep his eyes open when I’m holding him?  Nope.  Not once.  I love every sleepy moment with my son. 

How much more does God love me?  I think when I choose to get up from my computer, walk out of my kitchen, put down my cell phone, and crawl into His lap…I think He loves every moment, sleeping and awake.  I come out of that time with Him refreshed, restored, and reminded of His deep, deep love for me, love that’s somehow even greater than the love I feel for Elliott.

A nap in God’s lap.  A lap nap.  Go grab your Bible and try one the next time life feels really overwhelming.

Tags: Elliott, Time with God