The atmosphere of rest fell ever so sweetly. The suns rays were perfectly glowing on the Fall leaves as they were falling down. I noticed all the intricate colors of yellows, browns and reds as they swooped by my opened window from the breeze. The cool fresh autumn air. This was my view as I stepped out of the shower and felt the nudge of my Father inviting me to rest. My daughter nestled cozily on our white fluffy bathroom mat. She lay asleep curled arms and hands under her face and her body fully stretched out. She was at rest. She was at peace. There is nothing like a refreshing hot shower and clean hair with the busy season of caring for a young child! I finished up preparing myself for the day with all the lotions and intimate care women enjoy. I turned on the dryer pulling it into the closet right by the bathroom with hopes the sound would not wake from the noise but be soothed by the white noise. I was longing to lay and rest but the pull to get my hair dried too had me torn, I need to take advantage of this time! I quickly dried my hair and unplugged the straightener because at that point I decided my hair just had to wait.

I laid beside my daughter and just looked at her. I gazed upon and took her in. Her beauty. Her perfection. Her long fingers. The way her hair curls up in the back from being so long. She is promise fulfilled. I began to lay on my back purposely prostrating my body to be fully open to heaven, to my God and Father. I’m here to rest and simply be in your presence I said within. Thoughts arise of what lay ahead of me in new adventures and upcoming trials with all perceived outcomes and what ifs released to being nothing compared to being His and with Him. I continued from within: I can go through anything. I can do anything. I could go to my eternal home now because I know I am yours God. I turn to my side to take my daughter in. Every last detail. I was thinking she needs her bow on but God had me take her in completely bare as we are before him and before we ever add the decor, the garden leaves. I could not help myself. I must capture her beauty. I take her photos with the varying angles to always remember. I lay my hand in hers as I lay with her. Already she teaches to rest with Daddy God and simply surrender even if on the bathroom floor. It wasn’t long before her eyes opened and she smiled at me, all her precious grins. I quickly run to get her hair bow, just one picture with her bow on before she fully wakes! I’m back and she is up I’m sure startled by my rapid exit and return. I looked like supermarket sweep game show fun, racing to the bow and back! She smiles and poses for me in her most delightful and sassy ways. For a moment I was just with her and God. Before we were off to the races of life and toddler momentum I embraced her beauty. I thought about a mothers love and my fulfillment, that when it is my time she is my promise and my life was given for her to inherit Him. Rest.

Love. Ashley Shuell, Journalist for Jesus ✍️ 💕

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