Photographer
Anne Geddes has made an art form out of taking pictures of sleeping babies. Her
photos evoke smiles. Nothing is a better image of peace than a sleeping child.
But
between naps and nighttime, caring for children is an exhausting and relentless
responsibility. In their innocence and enthusiasm, children can get themselves
into life-threatening situations in no time. After a hectic day of chasing,
entertaining, protecting, feeding, dressing, guarding, guiding, and making
peace between squabbling siblings, parents are eager for bedtime. After the
toys are put away and the pajamas are put on, the sleepy toddler slows down,
cuddles with mom or dad for a bedtime story, and finally falls asleep. Later,
before putting themselves to bed, parents check on their children one more time
to make sure all is peaceful in dreamland. The serene beauty of a sleeping
child makes all the day’s frustrations worthwhile.
Scripture indicates that God’s ideal condition for His children is peace (Lev. 26:6), but too often in our immaturity we get into trouble and cause conflict. Like parents of young children, God desires for us to become weary of wrongdoing and to rest in the safety and contentment of His loving ways.
