Written by Alison Howell

 

I move your golden tendrils out of your sleeping eyes,

And a whirlwind of emotion takes me by surprise.

I pause and kneel beside your bed and try to guess your dreams.

Your small frame curled tightly; your look peaceful and serene.

 

I inhale slowly, then exhale as though I feel the weight.

This little life depends on me and the choices that I make.

Then just as tears begin to well and my heart begins to race,

I close my eyes, bow my head and take my rightful place.

 

For every night, my precious one, I surrender my control

To one who loves you even more than we could ever know.

He knit your inmost being with a perfect plan in mind,

Lovingly creating you with a purposeful design.

 

So I ask for Him to lead me as I raise His little girl

And hold my hand as I hold yours to guide you through this world.

I pray that at a tender age, you learn to call Him “Lord”

And trust in Him, your Source of Strength, when life seems cold and hard.

I ask Him to reveal Himself in the choices that you make

As you hunger for His righteousness and always seek His face.

And on those days your way seems dark, I pray your soul is well

Because you hold to the assurance that His promises won’t fail.

I beg your days of serving Him are fruitful and are many,

That you fulfill your heart’s desires, and His blessing number plenty.

 

I begin to feel the peace He brings and know in you He finds delight.

I wrap my arms around you and kiss your head goodnight.

And as my weight is lifted by the One who holds the world,

I thank Him for giving me this chance to hold His little girl.

 

Alison Howell has been married to her best friend and high school sweetheart, Lance, for 11 years. They live in Nederland, TX. They have two children: a precious daughter, Mackenzie, who is 7, and a beautiful baby boy, Andrew. She is a stay-at-home mom who spends her spare time writing grants for meaningful non-profit agencies and volunteering at her church, Hillcrest Baptist. But she says what defines her the most is that she is promised to the King of Kings who has gone to prepare a place for her and is coming back to bring her there. And while she is waiting, she wants to make every moment count.

 

If you are interested in sharing your story, send your writing to kristiburden@gmail.com

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