God the Gentle Father

When I go to bed at night,
I imagine that God tucks me in
with a blanket of light.

When I lay quietly, awaiting sleep,
I imagine that God tucks me in
with a blanket of peace.

I imagine God as the gentle father
whose strength gives me a sense of assurance,
a sense of security,
instead of a feeling of fear.

I imagine God as a comforting father,
who holds me, rocks me,
and caresses me
as He patiently waits for my tears to cease.

What caused my wounds may have happened in the distant past,
but their deep and profound nature left an impact that lasts.
Time created distance between me and my pain,
but time alone couldn't heal the rift in my heart.
Time alone couldn't cut the heavy chains
nor take away my deeply held shame.

So I have called upon God the gentle, comforting father.
I have called upon God the nurturing and compassionate father.
I see God wrapping me, swaddling me
in a blanket of love, a blanket of peace, a blanket of light.
I see God holding me so that my head rests on His shoulder.
I see God stroking my back tenderly
as I consider whether or not
I have shed the last tear.

Thank You, God for holding me in Your loving embrace.
Thank You, God for wrapping me in Your love, light, and peace.
Thank You, God for restoring the heart of my inner child.