by: Michelle Loveless
“Sing the drums go BOOM! Mom!” begs my two year old son at bedtime.
Our rather unusual routine started a while ago, when I noticed that Henrik would cling to me in fear whenever I would begin singing my usual lullaby. It was his cue that I was leaving soon. So one night, I asked if he wanted a different song.
“Sing the drums, Mom,” he said. Not knowing any “drum” songs I made one up about how the drums go “Boom, ba boom, boom…” I bounced around the room while he squealed in delight. My unexpected charade helped him forget his anxiety.
Now it’s become a nightly tradition, followed by a snuggly version of “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”. After I sing, I lay him down making sure that everything is just right. His little bear is tucked in on the right side and his fleece football blanket covers him up with his arms inside.
Then the dialogue begins.
“Am I safe, Mom?”
“Yes Henrik, you are safe in your bed.”
“Yes Henrik, you are safe in your bed.”
“Can the puppies outside get me?”
“No Buddy, you are safe.”
“No Buddy, you are safe.”
“Are you going to go wash dishes, Mom?”
“Yes,” I answer, realizing that he is comforted to be able to picture where I am.
“Yes,” I answer, realizing that he is comforted to be able to picture where I am.
Now his tone changes from questions to pure, sweet love from a sleepy child.
“Love you, Mommy. You can go now, Mommy,” he says.
“Thank-you Henrik, Mommy loves you. Sleep good. You are safe.”
“Thank-you Henrik, Mommy loves you. Sleep good. You are safe.”
Later, as I lay myself down to sleep, I replay this routine.
“Am I safe?”
“You are safe, hiding in the shadow of my wings,” my heavenly Father answers.
“You are safe, hiding in the shadow of my wings,” my heavenly Father answers.
“Where are you, Oh Lord?” I wonder.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 1
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 1
The racing thoughts from my frantic day melt away as I have my bedtime conversation with my Abba Father.
“Good night,” he whispers to my heart.
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.3
1 Deuteronomy 31:5-7
2Psalm 62:1
3Psalm 91:1
Michelle is a regular contributor. She and her family live in Grand Rapids, MI. For more from Michelle, check out her blog, Gilded Burlap.