Between God's Shoulders

I spent 9 hours at the local hospital yesterday with my Mum, who fell off her mobility scooter and fractured her upper arm and broke her hip. Things are not good, as Mum's hip is badly broken (bone crushed) and she is having a hip replacement hopefully some time today (depending on emergencies, as it's weekend!) She's going to be in for at least 2 weeks and possibly a rehabilitation centre afterwards She's also very frightened, understandably, and was in a lot of pain, but morphine has helped. The ward staff were lovely, and she'll be cared for. I have also gained an elderly cat one-eyed cat called Rameses who is coming here to live with us until she's home!

But on my mind all day yesterday was a verse I found in a Catholic Women's Devotional the other day, which really impressed upon me, this one:

About Benjamin he said:
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”
Deuteronomy 33:12

This verse has strengthened and upheld me all through this, with the thought of being carried between God's shoulders, like a baby in a papoose, secure in God. It has been such a blessing to me...

I didn't sleep well last night, and had 2 awake periods, one for an hour, but didn't get up and used them to pray. I felt really panicky, with everything that's happened and its implications going round and round in my head, but kept repeating and repeating that verse about being between God's shoulders (which I've memorised) over and over. It helped. This morning I feel less worried/anxious, and have faith that "all will be well".

There are times in our lives when we are *hit* with things that threaten to overwhelm us, and knock us off our complacent and comfortable perches. It is at those times that God bends down to us, swoops us up in His arms and carries us. They are also opportunities for grace and growth. I need to remember this!

God's blessings to you this day,
Please pray for us...
Autumn xx