He Gathers the Lambs in His Arms and Carries Them Close to His Heart...

Draw me close to you, never let me go…
Tonight I rocked both of my children to sleep,
I lay it all down again, to hear you say that I’m your friend…
And sang to them songs of Christ’s love,
You are my desire; no one else will do…
Until their pink-flushed faces were lax,
‘Cause no one else can take your place, or fill the warmth of your embrace…
And their lashes lay still on their cheeks,
Help me find a way to bring me back to you…
Soft and shadowed in the twilight.
You're all I want,
You're all I've ever needed,
You're all I want,
Help me know you are near…
One pale against her pillow,
The other rosy in my arms~
Their features delicate and soft,
Entrancing in their charms~
Their breath comes soft and even,
Faces framed in wisps and curls~
Sweet dreams I know they’ll have tonight,
Two precious little girls~

“He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
And carries them close to his heart;
He gently leads those that have young.”
~Isaiah 40:11

This has been one of my favorite ways of serving and ministering to our kids. I can think of nothing sweeter at the end of a good day, or the end of a not-so good one than rocking my babies to sleep, letting them know they are secure. Secure in my arms and my love. What a wonderful way of worshiping together... In fact, I distinctly remember being sung to sleep by my parents, my Dad sitting by my bed singing “As the deer panteth for the water…” and my Mom holding us in her arms singing “The Dance.” What sweet memories. These are precious times. I’m glad I have the privilege now of doing this with and for my children.