Don't know why I'm surprised...

Don't know why I'm surprised...God's always used music to talk to me and this week was no different. I was listening to a country song, kinda sappy, kinda wistful. The lyrics, sung by a band called Sugarland, meant something completely different to me when I began listening. I originally thought of a friend having a hard time. I identified with wanting to be there for that person, hoping that he would feel safe enough with me to turn to me when things got rough.

My thoughts then turned to G. Having some tough discipline choices this week, I've drawn a line with him in order to teach him some lessons. Ones he really needed, but that hurt just the same. After an especially hard time on Friday night, he had screamed, cried and begged for me to change the rules. I didn't give in. But at the end of it all, he still came to my lap for a hug and a quiet whisper of, " I love you Mama."

As I was thanking God for the opportunity to love on my guy, the thought came to me that the song was also about Him. He wants to be the one we reach for first. He wants us to turn to Him when the times are hard. After all, He already knows all about it. He's ready with arms open wide. Just like the song says, we don't have to say a word...He just wants to be there for us.

So I challenge you to read this portion of the lyrics three different ways. Do you hear God speaking to you through it, just like He did to me?  I pray that I will remember this and turn to Him first.

When the weight of the world bears down so strong
You leave footprints on the street
And there's too many miles to face
Without a few more hours sleep

The storm clouds overhead won't shed
Any rain to quench your thirst
I wanna be the one you reach for first

When your faith is stretched so thin
That you can see straight through your soul
And you can't find a nickel to buy a smile
'Cause your pockets all got holes

You wanna shut the door and hide
Before the day can get much worse
I wanna be the one you reach for first

Fall into me
My arms are open wide and you don't have to say a word
'Cause I already see
That it's hard and you're scared and you're tired and it hurts
And I wanna be the one you reach for first