Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Ledge

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:13 NIV

He measures 14 inches shorter and weighs 12 pounds less than his sister who drew her first breath more than three years before air brushed against his round face. Those facts hold little significance in Z-man's toddler-sized mind. He is not easily daunted by his limitations...he rarely recognizes their existence. Often, he stretches himself toward risks in order to grasp opportunity. He desires what his big sister possesses. He wants his legs to move as quickly as hers can. He does not want to sit on the sidelines and watch. For my boy, learning comes by the result of doing, not from listening.


This past Easter Sunday, my daughter stood on the wooden ledge that borders a small hill in front of our home. The ledge, which separates the sidewalk from the lawn, stands about a foot high. After obtaining her balance, she slowly walked across the eroding beam. Not wanting to miss out on a thrill, Z-man, hoisted his frame on top of the ledge. My hands held a camera, so I asked my son to wait. I knew he needed my assistance to secure his balance before he could follow his sister.


True to his nature, he embraced his impulses and ignored his mother's advice. Just seconds after the soles of his shoes touched the wooden ledge, Z-man's tender forehead collided with the cement sidewalk. My fingers pressed against his collarbone as he tumbled, which lessened the the damage caused by the blow, but did not stop his fall.


A sorrowful wail burst from the depth of his lungs and his hot tears seeped through my blouse as I held him close to my chest offering him every ounce of love I owned as comfort. I could not undo the fall, nor could I instantly relieve him of the system shocking pain that seared through his head. I certainly did not lecture or scold him about his actions either...natural consequence took care of that. In that moment of temporary agony, I simply covered my child with myself...my time, my tender words, my kisses, my love.

Sometimes, I act a lot like my son. I covet the possessions of others. Occasionally this includes items with material value, but mostly I yearn for the intangible...talents, admiration, abilities, milestones, and recognition. More than once have I hopped on top of a ledge looking at those ahead of me and wanting to catch up...wanting to be anywhere but in the place in which I stood. More than once, my Father asked me to wait...to allow Him to steady my balance and direct me. More than once, I shook my head and mumbled I know what I want. I know that I want it now, and I am going after it. And more than once, I took off running only to slip, crash, and cry out for solace.


After each fall caused by my own haughtiness, my Father scooped me up into His arms, held me tight, and covered me with His love.


(This is my entry to Scribbits April Write-Away contest--the subject this month is "mom.")





36 comments:

Kelly said...

EXCELLENT writing! I loved it. I've landed on my head a few times too (figuratively, of course). Good lesson today.

Leslie said...

You're a wonderful writer! Good luck in the contest!

Unknown said...

Wonderfully written!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
elaine @ peace for the journey said...

When I was four, I did the same type of walk, only the ledge was higher, sending me to the emergency room for stitches. i can't help but think that some of my "falls" have been due to the heighth of the ledge. Like you, I've wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it...no matter the risk. Some of those walks have bruised. Others have required a trip to the ER. Either way, I've learned some hard humblings along the path.

God's comfort has always been my portion. I'm thankful for His mercy that covereth my "need."

Great visual reminder, Angela. As of late, I've grown a bit weary of the climb. I'm learning contentment on the flat ground...for now.

peace to you in your Easter walk~elaine

sara said...

I love reading your posts because I "feel" them. This one was wonderful!

Anne said...

Holy smokes...that was wonderful. I was instantly right with you when you were talking about your son's fall...but I felt like I was falling (again) when you painted the end...of how often you have done the same thing. I will re-read this ... lots. You taught me something today...and I wasn't expecting it. Thank you!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Oh, so sweet. And to answer the questions about 30 x 5: You do not have to cut out all junk food at all. I'm just saying cut back 100 cals a day and keep moving. That's it. Loved this post, you awesome writer. AND I love the design. I'm getting a makeover and it will probably be mainly black and white. Your background is the wallpaper in my kitchen!

Billy Coffey said...

Oh, so good.

And as a father with an older daughter and younger son, I can sympathize. Many times over.

It's hard to wait upon the Lord sometimes, even though we know in our faith that our wait is necessary and worth it. So we jump anyway. And we fall. And thankfully, He's there to hold us and wipe the tears away.

This is inspiring.

Ronel said...

Wonderful!! I just love this piece of writing. I, too have fallen a time or two (or a million but who is counting) and I am thankful each time for His love and grace.

Joules Evans said...

This is beautiful, Angela. And I really like the new look of your blog.

Beth in NC said...

Such a great point ... but poor little buddy with a goose on his head. :o( Poor baby. Thankfully he didn't get hurt worse.

Bless you!
Beth

Erin @ Closing Time said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I really enjoyed this post...it is so true!

Alleluiabelle said...

Great Post! I don't have little ones anymore, but I do have little grandchildren...one in particular who likes to leap before completely thinking it out. It is comforting to know that He is there to catch all of us when we stumble, when we fall, when we are broken, when we are weary.

I loved this post. Absolutely loved it.

Blessings,
Alleluiabelle

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

Oh, I loved this. As a mother of a girl nearly 3 years older than her almost 5 year old brother everything about this spoke to me. I have seen this scene played out many times over the years and I loved how your tied in our Heavenly Father's love for us. Just beautiful!

Gwen said...

Beautiful post!!! And I love the new layout. XOXO

Anonymous said...

That is BEAUTIFUL!! It is actually something I needed right now as well :) Found your blog through Exemplify... it is beautiful!!

Good luck in the contest!!

Victoria said...

"After each fall caused by my own haughtiness, my Father scooped me up into His arms, held me tight, and covered me with His love."

Amen sister!

Carol said...

Excellent post! I loved this!

Cathy said...

Thanks for visiting my blog!

You are a wonderful writer and really enjoyed this post. How true does it ring in these ears of mine...I'm so thankful that I have a gracious, loving Father who doesn't give up on me!!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

This is why I love coming here again and again. :) What you write comes from your heart, but could've been written by my hand - and I know many others feel the same way. You have such a gift for articulating your life experiences and weaving them into a wonderful piece of writing full of God's love and life lessons.

Lovely Little Flowers said...

Good luck in the contest! You are an excellent writer!!
Thank you by the way for your wonderful words about my lovely little family!! I'm glad you ran across my blog from "Bring The Rain" (also an excellent blog!)!!

Scribbit said...

How many times have I done what you've described. I'm lucky when it's only a bruising that I have to show for it.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

Oh, such a great entry!!

Steph

Anonymous said...

Great post!

Mary Moss said...

What a beautiful post.

Unknown said...

Glad little pumpkin is OK. What a great reminder for all of us.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Unknown said...

thank you so much for the info about updating browsers. I had no idea and no way of telling you that I couldn't see your blog anymore!!

Unknown said...

P.s. I figured out I could read you in Google reader after you mentioned it. Thanks again!!

Unknown said...

This is a great post!

(I've been able to see you through Reader, but my browers are updated :0). Hey, your blog looks great! and I'd love to know how to increase my readership. I know I commented all of this on the wrong post, please forgive.)

He & Me + 3 said...

Beautiful post. Praise God for His covering of Love.

Kimberly said...

Oh, Angela.
How often does it seem like you are actually writing about me! I am so often your son, and indeed, God is so often having to pick me and my bruised ego up. I am so thankful He is willing to love all over me, just as you have so beautifully written about here.

Blessings, you sweet and amazingly talented woman you. May we all keep our eyes fixed on Him instead of one another.
Love,
K

Unknown said...

Beautiful post!

Blessings to you and your precious family!

In His amazing grace,
Jill

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Great illustration my friend even if it did come from a real life experience. I am guilty of that as well. I am so thankful that our Lord is patient with me and never gives up on me.
Hugs to you.
Kim

Homemaker Highlights said...

TY for your comment on my blog..you have such an awesome blog and look forward to coming back and reading your writing:)

Antique Mommy said...

Beautifully and lyrically written. I loved it.

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