Lessons From A Blankie

It was a typical day in our home. Until the blankies had to get washed.

For the past couple weeks, I have been mulling over in my head how I was going to combat the tears, since we had been down this road before. Unfortunately, I came up with no clever solution.

So after Mazy’s nap, I snatched them quickly out of her crib, threw everything in the washer, and then came the tears. As I peeked around the corner, Mazy stood, shoulders sunken down, hands about hitting the floor, mouth wide open, with tears creating a river down her cheeks.

She just wanted her blankies.

I tried explaining that they needed a bath just like she needs one sometimes, but that did not seem to help. As I scooped her broken-hearted body up, she wrapped her arms around my neck, put her head on my shoulder, even though I was second rate to those blankies. Her comfort was in the washer.

Mazy’s blankies are something she treasures. Something she wants to take with her, everywhere we go; and I mean everywhere! As she rubs her sweet little face into them, at times wiping her tears, I can’t help but see the look of peace she has in those big blue eyes of hers, when they are in her hands.

So when I took that comfort and security from her, her world was turned upside down.

I couldn’t help but think if I run to God the same way? Do I allow my life to rest in His peace, “jump” onto His lap every morning, desiring to just be with Him? Do I yearn for that time with Him, when it’s been too long, or do I just forget about Him even more? Can others see that sense of peace I have because of the time spent with Him? Do I desire to rest in Him, like Mazy rests on those blankies?

When we nonchalantly told Mazy her blankies were done drying, her hair flopped around as she ran to the edge of the steps, squealing in excitement. I am not sure who made it to the dryer first – my husband or her. As I watched this all unfold as I was washing dishes, I questioned myself, wondering if I run to Christ the same way Mazy did to her blankies?

Christ offers to be that so-called blankie. He offers to be that comfort, security, and peace, when we need it most. He offers to wipe our tears, invites us to nuzzle into His presence, and desires for us to never let go. And if we do, even for just a moment, He is ready with arms wide open.

I know that day will come when I need to wash those blankies again. I of course wait until the last possible moment, but now I have a little more patience and grace for the tears. Sweet Mazy, I get it. I would be heart-broken too, if I lost MY comfort and security. Praise be to God for His sustaining grace and His gift of salvation!