Recently, my honey and I were blessed to have three of our seven grandchildren stay with us. We dubbed the time, "Cousins' Camp!" Because I have a flexible job, I was able to spend each day and night with these girls. Two of the cousins were 9 1/2 years, and one was 6 yr old, and a sibling of one of the cousins. Each grandgirl had her own room to sleep and "hang" her crown. The first night after the parents had left the OFFICIAL bedtime arrived. The beds made ready, teeth brushed all three grandgirls waited in their beds for Nani to come and say goodnight. They knew that they would recieve hugs and kisses and together with Nani, their prayers spoken. I stated at the furtherest bedroom from the stairs and worked my way forward. Sitting on the edge of each bed of each grandgirl was such a priviledge. I would gather each one in my arms, hug and kiss each one and then bow my head so that she and I could pray together. This routine was going smoothly...that is...until the last one...the 6 yr. old. She was trying to be brave, but for the life of her, it wasn't working out too well. The thought of being upstairs (Nani and Saba's bedroom was downstairs) and being left alone with a sibling and a cousin did not sound like promising protection from the dark. Thinking of something that might "brighten" her nightime fears I retrieved my tried-and-true trusty compain, "Ruff." You can tell from the picture that when you press the red handle on Ruff's back, his mouth opens and a light shines. May I mention here that Ruff also growls when the light comes on...that is to insure whatever darkness falls, that he is on the job! With Ruff there to dispel the darkness there was no need to fear! After our prayers were spoken, I opened my eyes to see this precious little one clinging to her "Lovie" and "Ruff." The radio in her room was set on KSBJ (our Christian Radio Station) and she drifted off to sleep wrapped in prayers while God's praises were sung over her.What darkness that is threatening you? Is it an illness? A possible job change? A child away from home walking swifty away from God's perfect will? Or is it a change in martial status? What is the darkness that is stalking you and attempting to overtake you? What is threatening to steal your peace and rob your joy?
Several summers ago, a Vacation Bible Program made its way to our church and to each of our grandchildren's churches. The theme song was, "I will not be afraid." It was set to a Louisiana swamp theme and all the grandchildren loved it when I put on the cd and crank up the volume...they joined in and sang out, "I will not be afraid, though troubles out there night and day. I will not be afraid for God is always, always, always near!" Using that to build on with the 6 yr. old, I reminded her that God is near!
Several summers ago, our church participated in a VBS. The theme was set in a Louisian swamp and the theme song was, "I will not be afraid!" The words began...I will not be afraid, though troubles out there - night and day. I will not be afraid because God is always...always...God is always near!" All of our grandchildren's churches participated in the same VBS theme. Whenever I would have them in my car, I would pop in the cd and we would sing - loudly - God is always, always, God is always near!"Thought you may not have a "Ruff" to brighten the darkness in your bedroom, we as Children of God have an eternal light. We have Jesus - our holy and eternal life! Not only does He disspel darkness...the enemy flees from Him! So, when your darkness is trying to overtake your peace, just call out, "I will not be afraid because God is always, always, God is always NEAR!!!
