By Your Side

I heard this song on the radio the other day when I was heading home from a trip to the grocery store, yes, I got to get out alone for a few hours. It was great. Anyway, the lyrics ask why are you looking for love as if I'm (God) not enough, where will you go, where will you run? I'm here for you... "Please don't fight these hands that are holding you. My hands are holding you."

Instantly I thought of Noah cuddling in my arms while we rock in the glider before bed. Well, at least I'd like to cuddle. He's kicking and throwing his arms, arching his back, screaming, anything to get out of my arms. If he could just be still he could fall asleep.

I thought about my role as a parent. As parents we often know what's best (or at least better) for our child, but they don't always see it that way. Noah just wanted to be swaddled and laid in his crib. He didn't see rocking as a soothing way to prepare himself for sleep. How often do we fight our Heavenly Father? I am sure I've kicked and screamed that I want to do things my way, but God is patient and his strong arms continue to carry me despite my pride (or childish tantrums). I am thankful for God's unending, never failing, forever love.

I am on a personal journey right now—I started this week—to meet with God and listen to what he has to say. I don't think I've ever sat still long enough to really listen to what he has to say. I'm always the one talking to him, telling him what I need or frustrations I have or asking him to fix something or thank him, but I'm not always listening to what he has to say. Who likes being in a one-sided conversation all the time? It doesn't make for a great relationship, I'm sure. What if our ancestor Noah had chosen to listen to other people instead of building the ark like God told him? What am I missing if I'm not listening to God myself?

The song I heard on the radio is "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North from the album "Over and Underneath." You can read lyrics or listen to this song on Klove's website.