Reflections: Embrace the opportunity

It was a sunny spring morning on my front porch when my visiting grandson, the early riser of his family, slipped out the door and climbed into my lap. He sat quietly, listening to morning birdsongs, until suddenly, a bee landed on a flower right in front of us. My grandson let out a scream and buried his face in my shoulder. “Nana! Let’s go inside! It will sting me!” 

It took a moment, but I was able to calm him down and reassure him that the bee was much less interested in us than in the delicious nectar deep inside the flower, so our best bet was to sit still and quietly watch the bee go about its work. 

As Jose gradually gained the confidence to peep at the bee, I pointed out the parts of the flower and explained what the bee planned to do with the nectar, including how the bee’s work was important for helping other plants grow and providing the delicious honey we would soon be enjoying on our morning toast. While the bee’s stinger was still a concern, my grandson was able to relax and feel safe enough on my lap to enjoy a helpful lesson about bees, as I reassured him that should the bee come our way, I would make sure to cover his bare arms with my own. 

That experience came to mind as I studied the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. Even as the prophet faced the reality of his questions, he reminded himself of the Lord’s loving presence. At least one commentary connected the word origin for God’s presence with the word for “embrace,” and numerous other Biblical references reassure us that the strong arms of the Lord are there to support us even in scary situations. 

The bees in my yard are indeed useful creatures, but that doesn’t negate their potential to inflict injury if they are startled or annoyed. Similarly, being a Christian doesn’t provide total insulation from the many serious situations going on in our world. Christians experience illness; Christians die; many are persecuted for their faith. 

Like Jose’s bee lesson, some of our experiences are opportunities for learning and growth. Many, though, result in emotional and physical pain, or death. None of them, though, can remove us from God’s loving embrace. As a Nana who loves her grandkids, I would readily wrap myself around them to protect them from a sting. And Jesus’ atonement for our sins on the cross has removed the sting of physical death. We know we will spend eternity with Him and with our family and friends who have preceded us into His presence. I’m so thankful I have the Holy Spirit to provide that loving embrace.