This Chair Rocks

I said goodbye to an old friend today. My glider rocker.

Please forgive me while I wax sentimental for a moment. This is not just any old chair. This chair rocks.

I've spent countless hours rocking each of my three babies in it. Peaceful times of nursing. Blissful times of cuddling and snoozing. Then there were those paint peeling wails at three in the morning which could only be soothed by rocking.

There, there. Hush, hush, I'd whisper in the darkness.

Rocking, rocking, rocking.

Finally, contented silence.

God met us there.

The babies turned into kids but they still loved to scramble onto the rocker. It was Play Time! They'd whoop and holler as they pretended to sail on a maiden voyage to a mythical land. Or gallop across the fruited plain on the back of a runaway horse. Or fly away to Bulgaria in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Rocking, rocking, rocking.

Grins. Giggles. Laughter.

God met them there.

Then there were those times I'd be upset about something. Sad times. Angry times. Confusing times. I'd retreat to the quiet of my bedroom to pray, tears burning in my eyes, desperate to hear a word from God.

Rocking, rocking, rocking.

I'd hear His gentle voice, "Be still, and know that I am God."

God would always meet me there.

When my Auntie Yoko wasn't feeling well and couldn't lie down for long stretches of time, I loaded the rocker into the back of my car and drove it to her home. We placed it in her family room, helped her into it, and she settled back breathing a sigh of gratitude.

Ahhhhh.....comfort.

Rocking, rocking, rocking.

She was sitting in that chair when I told her, for the last time, about Jesus.

And God met her there.

It's been ten years since we've brought this rocker home. She's no longer bright nor is she pristine. She has well earned battle scars. But her life is far from over. She still rocks and glides as smoothly as ever. She still has many days left in her sturdy frame.

Now it's time for my beloved rocker to go to a family expecting a baby. It's time to create new memories. Fresh smiles. Newborn coos. Soothing whispers. Tears of sorrow. Tears of joy.

So we send her off with fond affection and a prayer for her new family.

May God also meet you there.

"The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." Psalm 121:8