A Mother Prays

 

There is a new lamb cradled on Thy breast tonight;
A sweet small lamb, so lately mine
I scarce can keep my arms from reaching out
As though to snatch her back from Thine.

These arms of mine are wonted so to her, dear Lord,
They curved about her little form
So sweetly; and from dawn of time my breast was meant
To be her pillow, soft and warm.

What does one do with aching arms and empty hours,
With silent rooms, and dragging days?
The things I knew before will not avail me now --
Teach me new lessons and new ways.

Take Thou, I pray, these idle folded hands of mine
Which can no longer busied be
With dear, familiar tasks for her... In mercy, Lord,
Fill hands and heart with tasks for Thee!

by Martha Snell Nicholson

When something we have held dear is taken away from us, it is important to ask the Lord to show us things we can do for Him to fill our hands and hearts for His glory. We are not meant to be empty-handed or empty-hearted.

2 Samuel 12:23 ...I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

Graphics by Mary Stephens.