At 5:11pm on Wednesday, after two straight days of editing and rewriting, I pushed SEND on a book manuscript. Praise God! Time to celebrate!
At 6:47pm on Wednesday, the phone rang—my daughter-in-law telling me my son is in the hospital again.
I know you’ve been there. Standing on the mountain top, hands raised to heaven one minute, on your knees in the dry, rutted ground of the valley the next.
On Thursday, as I waited for news of my son’s surgical procedure—one he’s had often since diagnosed with liver disease eight years ago—I felt God speaking to me. You’re fragile today, be gentle with yourself.
Skipping my morning exercises, I opted for a few slow stretches. I fixed myself a cup of the coffee that’s a splurge usually reserved for weekends—sweetened with raw honey, thickened with coconut oil and heavy cream, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. I sat in my prayer chair, covered up with the softest blanket in the house, opened my Bible, and closed my eyes.
I didn’t pick up my study book or my prayer list, just sat and let the tears fall as I read bits and pieces in a fog of poor concentration. My prayer was simple. Lord, have mercy on my son. 
My Coffee Cup thoughts from last Monday were still fresh in my mind—I am a princess, a daughter of the King of Kings. Last week I spoke of embracing our roles as ambassadors, representing our Father in a dark world. Today I want to look at a different side of that relationship. Today let’s talk about the times when we take the crown off, set it on the coffee table, and curl up, head on Father’s shoulder, and let the tears fall. Imagine his words:
“Go ahead and cry. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, daughter.” (The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18)
“Just rest.”(Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28)
“You know I’ve got this. Trust my plan.” (I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait on the Lord. Ps 27:13-14)
“I’ll give you what you need to get through this.” (But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Cor 12:9”
“Say what’s on your mind. I’m listening.” (Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you… Ps 55:22)
“Lean on me. I’ll be your strength today. (Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
“Shhh.” (Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10)