Embrace by Kristin Thomas

Embrace

by Kristin Thomas

"No! Put me down!" I shriek laughingly. Smiling, you acquiesce and my feet are on the ground again. It's not something that happens often, but when it does I feel a need to object. I'm not sure why. Part of me loves it when I go to hug you and am unexpectedly whisked off my feet and spun around in an embrace.

One day I thought about why it is that I am compelled to object to this particular display of affection, and I realized why. I love it when you pick me up and spin me around because I can sense your love and somehow it makes me feel protected; I am made aware of your strength. The only reason I object is because I don't want you to know how heavy I am. When you pick me up, there is no way for me to hide anything because you are holding me.

I think I do the same thing with God. So very often I find myself being caught up in His embrace as He lifts me off the ground and holds me tight. He makes me feel loved, and I experience the strength of His sufficiency. I know that while He is holding me, nothing can overcome me; I am completely safe and wholly loved. But still I object. When He is holding me above the world. He knows the full weight of my sin. He knows my failings and my weaknesses. I love it when He picks me up, and yet my pride and shame object. According to my request, He lovingly places me back on my own feet, though I am sure He wishes I would let Him hold me again.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, formy power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2 Corinthians 12:9, NJV