Every Cambodian afternoon, Kelley and I walked the 15 meters from our home down the dirt road to the orphanage with our paints, pencils, and brushes. Our minds determined to make progress on our mural for the orphanage wall, yet our hearts set on laughing, giggling, and snuggling our little friends.
One afternoon, Kel and I started our daily walk to the orphanage. From a distance we heard a shout that began with some kind of childish gibberish and continued with an exclamation of “KATEandKELLEY!” (as the month progressed, our names become one complete word just slurred together).
I looked up, and saw my favorite little man, Chainut, sprinting (faster than you’d expect his cute little legs to move) down the lane towards us. I crouched down, held my arms out to him, and shouted back, “CHAINUT!”
Within a quick second, the distance between us decreased dramatically. Suddenly, Chainut was only a body’s length away, and I knew what would come next. He launched himself from the ground and catapulted himself like a tiny rocket into my arms. Squeals of glee exploded from his belly as I tossed him into the sky. As he returned to my arms, he wrapped himself around me, planted a kiss on my cheek, said “KATE!”, pointed and said “KELLEY!”, laid his head on my shoulder, and sunk all of his body weight against my chest.
My heart flipped, flopped, melted, and spilled over with love.
I will always carry the innocence and tenderness of this moment with me. In my arms, Chainut found safety, love, comfort and peace. My love for him allowed him to trust and lean into me.
What a sweet comparison to my own relationship with God. Do I lean into Him with all of my trust and understanding? As much joy Chainut brought me, how much more joy do I bring my Heavenly Father when I trust Him with all of my heart.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
(Psalm 3:5-6)
And that’s where I find myself today. I’m learning to trust God at all times, leaning into Him, and letting His wisdom, peace, and strength sustain me.
So I’m launching. Feet flying from the ground, catapulting myself into God’s arms, and resting all of my weight on Him. I’m content with my past, present, and my future. Content that God is enough, and that He takes delight in me. There’s no better place than in His arms.
Love Love Love
Kate
