American Poet, William Ross Wallace, in his poem, “What Rules the World,” penned a phrase that has become a familiar praise of motherhood…The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. The entire text reminds the reader of the significance of the mother’s role, particularly in the influence she has over her children.
The Psalmist recognizes a mother’s importance to her child, particularly in the early stages of the child’s life when dependence is greatest. In a mother’s arms a child finds security, warmth, and contentment. He speaks of his own contentment in relationship to God, not needing at this moment of his life the affirmation offered by adoring crowds nor the adrenalin-producing rush of military conquest. “I am calm and quiet,” he writes, “like a baby with its mother.”
It is amazing to think that God, in choosing to come to this earth and take on human form, was cradled by his mother, Mary. There, He found security, warmth, and contentment. There, He found peace.
Isaac Watts wrote a beautiful hymn setting to the twenty-third Psalm which offers a glimpse of the peace a child finds in the warmth and provision of home…the warmth and provision of God.
The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.
Prayer: Loving God, whose arms are ever about us like those of a loving parent, may we find peace in your embrace…like a child at home. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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