“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…” a simple childhood bedside prayer. I remember the words so well. My Mama taught me to fold my hands, kneel by my bed & together we prayed. Seems a long time ago, those wonder filled days of yesteryear. Many four seasons have come & gone, but I’ll never forget the sweet comfort she gave me, through the storms of this trying life. Isn’t it funny how a picture reminds us of those little tucked memories in a box? They can say a thousand words without speaking a one! This is that memory, the picture I see as I look at sweet Missy, who peacefully sleeps through the cold of winters bitter past. That subtle tone beneath her crackled face, shows wear & tear from the heated flames & freezing snow. I can almost feel the stinging bite from the fire & ice, as I watch her still calmness without a care in the world. Sometimes I lay awake at night with my tired eyes wide open. I try so hard to stop the rambling thoughts of the day. I carefully check off my numbered list & try to forget what endless things were missed. The restless nights & day dreamed hours, often fill this broken time with wandering thoughts & stressful talks. I think back on a moment in time, when my little boy’s sleep would awaken. He’d cry with a fright & a scare, from a nightmare that seemed so real. I quietly prayed, softly combed through his hair & we’d cite a scripture to help calm his fear. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone Lord, make me dwell in safety”. From a mother to a daughter, now a mother to a son, I continued a simple tradition. A prayer that led the babe-like child safe to the hands of the Father, was passed down & around & the circle was now complete. When anxious thoughts do multiply, I know where I can find a way to ease my stress, a comfort to settle my soul. A perfect reminder from this Mural I see, there is peace through the storm & a rest to our sleep. Through the heat of the fire & the freeze of the ice, Missy Grammer lays calm as she quietly sleeps. Psalm 4:8
