Last night we experienced a very heavy storm at our house. I was extremely thankful for the rain. My children however, were not nearly as appreciative. It was time for bed, and I began turning down the covers. Right on cue, my daughter walked in the room and said, “Can you sleep with me daddy? I’m scared.”

I told her that the storm was not going to hurt her, and she needed to go back to bed. After she left the great philosopher (my wife) had something to say. She reminded me that my children will not always be little. They will not always be scared of these storms, and they definitely will not always want their dad to sleep with them and hold them. I should take advantage of these opportunities when I have them.

I don’t need to tell you that I listened to her. As I was holding my daughter while she slept, several thoughts came to my mind.

• She is so beautiful
• She is so innocent
• My back hurts laying on this bed
• I wish I could hold her and protect her from every storm she will face
• I hope she is always “daddy’s girl”
• My back really hurts, am I laying on a toy?

In the midst of all of my ramblings inside of my mind, I found peace. I know that my children are growing up. I know that I cannot protect them from every storm of life. I know that I cannot keep them from sin. I know that I cannot provide them with everything that they will ever need. However, I know that God can.

Psalm 91:1-2-He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say [1] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

“Father, thank you for being a perfect Father. Thank you for providing a refuge and a safe place for your children. Help me to remember that I am not perfect, and my children desperately need to see me leaning on you. In Jesus name, amen. “