Wiggle Into His Presence
Last night, I told my 4-year-old that it was time to get into bed. Naturally, she ran straight for my own bed and found her usual place right in the middle. Mike and I have become quite accustomed to being accosted by her flailing limbs in the middle of the night. Even if she doesn't start the night in our bed, she'll be there before morning comes.
Part of me wanted to scold her and remind her that she needed to go to her own room. But another part of me was reminded of something my mom always said: "Every child should get to take love for granted."
In other words, every child should be fortunate enough to live in a home where wiggling your little self in between your parents at 2:00 a.m. isn't something you have to ask permission for. My daughter doesn't doubt that she belongs there. She doesn't hesitate, or wonder if she’s done enough good deeds during the day to earn a spot on my pillow. She rests completely in the fact that she is loved.
Do I approach God with the same confidence?
He loves us so much more than our human minds can even wrap around. He doesn't want us standing at the doorway of prayer wondering if we're worthy to step inside. He wants us to be like little children - bold, unhesitating, and so confident in His affection that when life gets heavy or dark, we run straight into His arms without a second thought.
And yes, of course, we are called to follow His commandments and strive for holiness. But long before we "figure it all out", He wants us to take His unconditional love for granted.
Whatever trial you find yourself in this week, I hope you feel the freedom to wiggle right into His presence. You belong there.
VISIO DIVINA: Suffer the Children by Carl Heinrich Bloch
Visio Divina — "divine seeing" — is prayer through art rather than words. Rather than analyzing the painting, let your eyes rest on it and listen for what God draws your attention toward. Take your time to study and really take in the image below.
Settle: Pause where you are. Unclutter your mind and let your shoulders drop. Take a slow, steady breath and allow yourself to arrive in this present moment.
Gaze: Take in the whole scene—the crowd pressing in at the doorway, the quiet space in the foreground, and the dramatic contrast between the shadowy throng and the figures seated below. Notice where your eyes land first. Is it the child looking back at Jesus, the hand resting on a knee, the vibrant blue mantle, or the searching faces in the doorway? Something else?
Meditate: Linger with that single detail or group that drew your attention. Who do you identify with in this image? Notice how close they are to Jesus, completely unbothered by the crowd around them. Where in your life are you invited to draw near to Him with that same simple, unhesitating trust? Some in the crowd lean in, while others stand in the shadows. How do you approach Christ?
Respond: Speak with God about what this scene brings up in you.
Rest: Let go of thoughts, analysis, and words. Simply sit in the quiet atmosphere of the painting, resting in God’s peaceful and loving presence a moment longer.
Keep An Eye Out for these October Devotions!
🎀 = Earrings • 🎨 = Art and Stationery • 🎁 = New Items Coming
Memento Mori 🎀🎨🎁
Hallowtide 🎀🎨🎁
St. Therese of Lisieux - October 1st 🎀 🎨
Guardian Angels - October 2nd 🎨
St. Francis of Assisi - October 5th 🎀 🎨
Our Lady of the Rosary - October 7th 🎨
Our Lady of the Pillar - October 12th 🎀
Our Lady of Aparecida - October 12th 🎀
Miracle of the Sun - October 13th 🎀
St. Teresa of Avila - October 15th 🎀🎨🎁
Our Lady of Schoenstatt - October 18th 🎀🎨🎁
St. John Paul II - October 22nd 🎀 🎁
Our Lady of Oropa - October 29th 🎀
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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl
Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom
maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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