A minute with Marlin
Most times Bennett and I are in the truck together, we are singing. He has his favorite songs, and we belt them out at the top of our lungs, laughing and giggling all the while, Bennett may not use a lot of words to communicate, so his singing may sound like he is changing his vowel sounds to match the tune, but let me tell you, he can make a joyful noise and he sings with all his heart!
Recently, a friend sent me a song from Zach Williams entitled “Less like me.” I have grown to appreciate his lyrics very much as they describe a nearly daily struggle in my head and heart.
Here is the first verse and the chorus:
Oh, I have days I lose the fight
Try my best but just don’t get it right
Where I talk a talk that I don’t walk
And miss the moments right before my eyes
Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can’t see past myself
Lord, help me be
A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me.
Bennett has no mask. When he is with you, it is with his whole heart. In many ways, he is more Christlike than I will ever be. Pure and innocent, he does not know what it means to doubt another person, or to make that split-second judgment call on someone’s motive.
As Bennie has grown, he has become my shadow. He follows me nearly everywhere, wanting to be with me every chance he gets. Whether it is outside doing chores, making firewood, or plowing snow, his short little fingers and strong hand are holding tightly onto mine. To my shame, there are times when I long for a chance to work on a project at home alone, but on my better days, I remember how gracious the Lord is with me and that He would love nothing more than seeing me hang onto His hand as Bennie hangs onto mine.
As always, may you find joy in the simple things.
Thank you for this.