'Mommy Jail' by Maria Hartman

When my son was small, I began something I never anticipated would become so meaningful. I would gather him tightly in my arms and smother him with kisses. I'd tell him he was in 'Mommy Jail'. The only possible way for him to get out was for mommy to get some kisses (this was the key). He would squirm and squeal with sounds of delight that still resonate in my mind. Oh what a sweet time that was! Of course I repeated this 'captivity' with my daughter when she came along.

The other day as I wrapped my arms around her and listened to her giggle, I noticed something that was exactly as it was with my son. Mommy jail was not a place she wanted out of. There, both of my children found tenderness wrapped in familiarity, held by a heart that loved them unconditionally. Who would want to leave a place like that, where love is lavished and joy is full?

God Himself provides something like this for His own children; a haven where unconditional love in its truest sense can be experienced form the One who IS love. Incredible as it is, we are personally invited to that intimate place near to His heart. He calls in Matthew 11:28 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In these ever so capable arms, we are like the child who knows where he belongs no matter the circumstance. Words cannot describe the depth of what the Father is willing to offer to those who draw close and remain still. Who would want to leave a place like that, where perfect love is lavished and joy is full?

From just a silly game, God has graciously taught me something I have endeavored to implement daily. First, He's shown me the ongoing blessing of consciously choosing to put down what competes for my attention so that I can receive a gift. I chase after and grab my little ones as if nothing in the world mattered more. Nothing does. Next and most significant is that I know I must do the same myself. But this time I become the child who responds to the One who is pursuing. My Father doesn't 'chase' me around the house until He catches me, but Praise the Lord, He does pursue me. Again, I need to put down what is competing for my attention so that I can receive a great gift. I can unite my heart with the only One who makes me complete; the One who wants me there no matter the hour. In that refuge I too am instructed, grounded in truth, and reminded that I am here to serve Him with my life.

There will come a day when my little ones will be too old to play this game, but I am so thankful that I will never be too old to practice what He has taught me. Through something I could so easily identify with, He has whispered for me to come into His Everlasting Arms over and over again, and has led me to the truth that I am not the only one who loves the time there. This beautiful place is surely not jail, but a glimpse of heaven. It is my prayer and the longing of my heart that my children will desire to be intimately connected to the Giver of all that is good and worthy and that one day soon they will listen for His call to come. I pray that they will answer "Yes Lord" and run straight to Him for the love that will always surpass what their mother was able to give.

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63: 1-3