A sweet moment

Many of you know that my husband fell and broke his wrist last week at work. We are now traveling through a maze of paperwork, legal stuff, workman's compensation, doctor's visits, MRIs, CT scans, and NO WORK!

That's right, no work. At all. His doctors have said he can do desk work or light duty, but neither of his jobs offer such assignments. So...for the last week he has been home. First reports said that he would return to work in 2 weeks, but Wednesday's doctor visit showed no significant improvement so things are back on hold pending test results.

It has been so stressful. The tension is tough, and we are trying so hard to be positive. I know God will see us through, that He is protecting us and will provide. But the fleshly side of me worries.

Yesterday as we sat in a crowded reception room waiting for our turn at yet another appointment, I noticed a young man sitting in the corner. He looked to be in his early 20's. His clothes, while clean, were worn and thin. He had a little boy sitting next to him who looked to be about 2 years old. In his arms he cradled a sleeping newborn baby. I watched as he held the baby, trying to keep the pacifier in the infant's mouth and keeping a watchful eye on his older son. He looked so tired. I wondered where Mom was, and I noticed the toddler was trying to climb in Dad's lap but couldn't find room, so he crunched his body up and laid across Dad's lap. Dad tried to rub his back and juggle the baby and pacifier but didn't have enough hands. The toddler was silent, but had heavy eyelids and a weary expression.

Before I knew what I was saying, I stretched out my arms and asked the little boy if he wanted to sit with me. Surprisingly, he nodded. I asked dad if it was ok and he wearily nodded yes. I took the boy in my arms and he laid his head on my shoulder. His clothes were also clean but worn, his flip flops were near breakage between his tiny toes. He snuggled into my neck like he had known me his whole life.

I rocked gently back and worth, and rubbed his back. In an instant his body went limp and his eyes fluttered shut. Tears welled up in my eyes and my heart swelled as I held him against me. I felt an overwhelming compulsion and began praying for this child and his family, whom I had never met. I prayed that for whatever reason they were there that they would have a good outcome. I prayed for his future, and his health. I prayed for his tired Dad, and whatever issues they faced at home. I prayed for the new baby, and thanked God that both children appeared healthy and loved.

After a few moments, another child cried and woke up the boy. A showed him a picture of my cat on my cell phone, and he smiled. A few moments later Mom walked into the room. The Dad thanked me and they left.

Where were they going? What did they face when they got home? Why did I feel so led to pray for them? I have no idea, but I will never get the image of his round black eyes staring into mine or the trust he showed as he slept in my arms out of my heart.

I silently thanked God for my own health and for what He has done and is continuing to do for my family. I continue to pray for this child and his family, wherever they
are.....