Sam, our last child has sensitive skin. Without boring you with medical terms, not only is his skin sensitive, but his eyes and nostrils also respond similarly. They can be easily irritated when the environment is dusty. Cold weather can also irritate them to a certain degree. There’s a high pollen count that affects them too. From a very young age, we noticed how his response to various things was different. It differed from that of his siblings. His scalp would get ‘angry’ and red at different times of the year. Different parts of his skin reacted the same way. We had to handle him like one of those fragile parcels which say “handle with care”. Through the years, we’ve monitored him closely. We quickly notice how his body responds to potentially offending substances. We are especially vigilant during weather changes. We are also cautious after a swim when he’s had prolonged contact with water. We are careful when the lawn has been newly mowed.
Because of these sensitivities, my husband and I pay great attention to caring for him. This is especially true when the weather feels harsh. We moisturize his skin tenderly yet thoroughly. This includes moisturizing behind his ears, which are hidden. We also have his allergy eye drops on standby. If there’s any sign that his eyes are uncomfortable, we immediately instill them. We also use his nasal spray. On school mornings, without knowing what the weather would do, we anticipate the pollen count would be high. We also consider that during his outdoor play, some things could trigger his allergies. Therefore, we prepare him well in advance to face the day. On his return from school, we notice any scratching or redness. We resume our care routine. Sometimes, we have to apply topical medicines to relieve irritation. Our aim in all this is to keep him comfortable. We want to relieve any distress and fortify him against harsh weather conditions. It’s been our winning formula.
Recently, during this holiday, I applied his moisturizers to his forearm. Today’s verse suddenly popped into my heart. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” This is from Psalms 103:13. At that very moment, that scripture came alive to me in a fresh way. The Holy Spirit used that moment with our past routines with Sam. This expanded that verse of scripture for me. Just as I felt a deep compassion for my son, my Heavenly Father has even more compassion for me. I am His child. I was prepared to go to any length to shield him from harm. You know sometimes I can feel unsure about God. This happens especially when I’m facing a challenge. Does He still love me? Is He for me? Does He care about me? Is He with me in this? Does He see what I’m going through? Who else can relate? But in that tender moment, I could sense The Lord reminding me. His heart is deeply compassionate towards me. He sees me. He knows where life has been harsh. He knows when the weather has changed abruptly and the winds have beat hard against my eyes. He sees as life’s pollen counts fluctuate. When they rise, they could upset my system. He sees the tender skin and scalp. He observes the flare ups when allergens are everywhere. He began to let me see just how much He is present and engaged in every season. He is moisturizing and fortifying me against the harsh weather that awaits. He inspects when I return from my daily pursuits. He examines my hidden areas for bruises. If He finds any, He brings His soothing balm. And you know what was more comforting? I realized it wasn’t something He was doing out of compulsion. Instead, it was borne out of His deep compassion and love for me. In that moment, I could see His tenderness and how that He’s been there all along. My Father has been there in every weather and every season. He has been looking out for me. He is in tune with my frailties. He is always there to bear my burdens, to apply His soothing balm, and to bring relief.
Dear friend, I don’t know where this finds you. Maybe you feel tender in many places. Life may have felt rough of late. Harsh winds and “allergens” are swirling around you. You might even have proof on your “skin” and “eyes”. You have sustained bruises from forces of friction. I wanted to encourage you today that God is not removed from what you’re experiencing. He is not disengaged and uninterested, instead, His heart beats with love and compassion for you. He holds in His hands all that can soothe you and bring relief. Before you face any day, He is there. He fortifies you so that the raging winds don’t hurt you. He stands as the gentle balm to bring you succor, relief and help. Would you let Him? would you lean in rather than carrying it all alone? His heart is for you.
As a father has compassion on his children, so The Lord has compassion on you, yes YOU
Lord, I thank You that Your heart is for me, full of love and compassion towards me. No matter what I face, help me believe this truth and embrace it as I go through each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Treasure in earthen vessels 