Saturday, May 2, 2009

Lullaby

I am working on a post to wrap up my time in Ethiopia, but it isn't easy. Thursday was our trip to the orphanage, and I still can't think about our time there without crying. So, bear with me for a few more days while I try to get my head around what I saw and what I want to say about it, but in the meantime....

We've established a new night-time routine at our house. With an extra little one to put to bed, bed time preparations seem to take so much longer. Used to, the boys and I had a little game called the "Kissing Fairy Game" that we played while going to bed. When they would hear me coming, they would hide under the covers. I would knock on their heads, and when they asked who it was, I'd reply that it was the kissing fairy with packages to deliver. They would send various of their stuffed animals out from under the covers to answer the door, until finally I would tell the last animal that I really did need to speak to Noah or Nathan. Then, whichever one of them was having their turn would answer my knocking by popping out from under the covers with a long explanation as to why they hadn't been able to come to the door right away, pretend to sign for the packages, and the packages of hugs and kisses would be delivered. It was a LONG ritual, and frankly after over a year of playing it, I was a little sick of it.

So, I was very pleased when Noah asked me if I had finished learning the lullaby of my CD and if I would sing it to him at bedtime. I bought a Fernando Ortega CD some time ago, and I love it. One song in particular has become one of my personal favorites, and I set out to memorize it. So often at nights my mind gets active, and it would make a good time to worry or fret. Instead, I memorized this song and use it to remind myself of God's care over us and His power over the events of my life. The words are just so good, and it makes a perfect prayer to close the day. Ends up, it also makes a great lullaby for the boys. Noah loves it, and it has given us some great opportunities through the day to talk about what the words mean. Evidently, Nathan loves it too. Last night after I finished singing to them, Nathan asked me if I would sing it again tomorrow night. I said yes, so he asked if we could sing it next week, too. I said yes, so he asked if I would still sing it every year from now. I'm not sure how many more years the boys will be wanting lullabies from Mommy, but for now I treasure those final moments of the day. Here's our lullaby:

Jesus, King of Angels by Fernando Ortega

Jesus, King of angels, heaven's light,Shine Your face upon this house tonight.Let no evil come into my dreams;Light of heaven, keep me in Your peace.
Remind me how You made dark spirits flee, And spoke Your power to the raging sea.And spoke Your mercy to a sinful man;Remind me, Jesus, this is what I am.

CHORUS:The universe is vast beyond the stars,But You are mindful when a sparrow falls, And mindful of the anxious thoughts That find me, surround me, and bind me . . . .

With all my heart I love You, Sovereign Lord.Tomorrow, let me love You even more.And rise to speak the goodness of Your name Until I close my eyes and sleep again.

CHORUS:The universe is vast beyond the stars,But You are mindful when a sparrow falls, And mindful of the anxious thoughts That find me, surround me, and bind me . . . .

Jesus, King of angels, heaven's light,Hold my hand and keep me through this night.

1 comment:

  1. What a sweet song/bedtime prayer! And that "kissing fairy" game is creative too!

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