Leaning

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

There's a high pitched, almost deafening, squeal high in the air. 

My 19 month old runs as fast as her chubby little legs will allow her...straight behind my legs. Her siblings are chasing her and she, trusting so faithfully, believes that I will take care of her. She wraps her arms tight around my tired, knobby knees and leans hard into me. I'm caught off guard by her grip. I wobble, catching my balance. She doesn't realize I'm not as stable as she thinks. 

I let her stay guarded as long as she needs. The chase ends abruptly when they see me. We win, they lose and move on. My 19 month old peeks through my legs to make sure the coast is clear. She's safe to go on her way. 

Other times, the hiding behind legs isn't enough. She runs straight into my weak arms. She wants protection from whatever it is she feels is the enemy. She knows if she's up from ground level, both of my arms wrapped tight around her small frame, she safe. She's trusting in me. 

Lately, worry is trying to replace peace and confidence. I'm getting anxious about approaching deadlines and dates on the calendar. I feel like I look a bit more disheveled than my usual state. I notice black circles under my eyes have taken up permanent residence. Like everyone I've encountered this week, I've got a full plate facing me at the table. Reality and fast moving time settle in as normalcy in the day to day.

I've run hard to my Father this week, leaning hard on Him with this dump truck sized load I struggle to carry. These days, He's had to pick up what weighs me down...me still leaning on Him just as hard. Daily I'm reminded of the need I have to be carried, protected tight from what's chasing and staring me in the face. 

I'm relying on and trusting in the only One that I know can carry me through. My load is never too much to leave with Him. When I lean, He is stronger. He stands firm, solid...never catching His balance...never wavering...always there for me.