A Safe Place

When I close my eyes and think about my daddy, I usually remember what it felt like to sit in his lap and bury my head into his chest. That feeling of security and warmth and love comes crashing back into my reality. I was blessed to have a father that provided me that feeling of security. I think that is why when my world is crashing around me, I bury myself in my husband's arms and chest. It is the same feeling. I feel safe and protected and loved.


Last night Danny returned late from being gone for two days. My youngest was not feeling good. She had been in her room studying and when she heard him come in she came downstairs. I watched as she came over to the sofa and curled up beside her daddy. She wrapped her arms around him and cuddled down so that her head was buried in his chest. She felt safe and protected and loved.


My oldest daughter is my most affectionate. She is open with her hugs and her physical touch. She gives it freely to all of us. She likes to be hugged in return too. This weekend, as we were getting ready to have some heavy discussions during dinner, I felt her head go on my chest as the blessing was being said. She needed a safe place for a moment as she prepared for something that made her uncomfortable.


My middle daughter is my least affectionate. She is not one to run in and hug you. She doesn't do the "touchy, feely" thing. But she knows where her safe places are. I remember one time during her senior year of high school. She came home after a very heated and emotional discussion with a friend. He had said some things that crushed her spirit and her heart. I was sitting in the den and I heard her come in the kitchen. Before I knew it, she was in my lap sobbing in my chest. She needed to feel safe and protected and loved.


As I was reflecting on my safe place this morning, I was thinking about how blessed I am to have people in my life that make me feel safe. I am not physically feeling well today and I was having a hard time staying focused during my quiet time. I was curled up in my chair enjoying the feeling of protection and security.  As I was reading my devotion and reading scripture, I felt the Lord say very gently to me..."are you a safe place for others?".


I have learned a lot over the years about being a "beacon on the hill". A light to a dark world. I have spent a lot of time realizing that in order to move forward I have to quit looking inward and look up. As my spiritual walk has deepened and my fears have lessened, I have learned a lot about myself. I am very opinionated and usually speak my mind freely. It is my very worst trait. My biggest weakness. But over the years, the Lord has taken that impulse and changed it into a strength. When I have allowed Him to guide that impulse, He has used it mightily in others lives.


It is important that the people around me know where my strength comes from. That anyone who has a conversation with me can sense that there is something different in the way I respond to them. I mess this up a lot; but I have a safe place to go to that helps me regain my strength and look up. My earnest prayer is that I can be a safe place to the lives I encounter daily. That the people that cross my path can feel safe and protected and loved. Not judged.


If you know Jesus, then you have a safe place too. Sit back today and lean against His knees. Rest in the warmth of His everlasting arms. Bury your head in His chest and feel protected and loved. Then lift your head up and walk forward in that security. Keep your eyes open today for that person that needs a safe place. That person that is just waiting to be loved and not judged. Wrap your arms around someone today that looks like they need it. It may be the only hug they get all day!

I will dwell in the shelter of the Most High God

I will rest in the beauty of your presence 

Your faithfulness is a shield and my great reward

I will not be afraid, I will trust in the Lord ~ Dwell, by Aaron Keyes