The Tiniest Breath

I remember the night we brought Julia home from the hospital, laying with her in our bed while she slept soundly and peacefully next to me. Not to worry, I was not sleeping, but just laying there amazed at how our life had changed with the arrival of this sweet girl. After daydreaming for a while I was startled to not notice her breathing.(Admit it, you other moms have done that too, irrational as it is.) So I put my ear close to her mouth and what I heard was a sweeter sound than any other. Something about listening to her breathe was so soothing, so peaceful it was hard for me to stop. For just a few seconds, my muscles relaxed and I took a deep breath. Even as I realized how tired I was, I somehow felt rejuvenated and warm all over listening to that precious little breath.

Well, I still listen to Julia's breathing every now and then after I lay her down to sleep. And it still soothes me. Last night, she was fussy and kept waking up which is not her usual routine. As I walked back in her room for the third time I have to say I was not happy, I was beyond tired. I took a deep breath and I gingerly laid her down in her bed and instead of quickly sneaking away like I usually, I ever-so-gently put my ear near her mouth and listened to her regular, rhythmic breathing. I was instantly soothed and I offered up a prayer of gratitude to God along with a repentant heart for having grumbled and complained about getting up with her.

I prayed "Lord, I am so grateful to have this special little girl in my life, your creation that you have trusted into my care. Thank you Lord for giving her breath and thank you for giving me ears to hear and a heart to love her. You are an Almighty God, deserving of all praise and I rejoice in your name forever."

After that, I was on a roll, could not get back to sleep and went to work on my frugal living workshop presentation. When she woke up again, I went with a grateful (although admittedly tired) heart to put her back to sleep again. God is so good!