PB and I went to a conference a few weeks ago on the topic of prayer. We listened to speakers, we sang songs, and we prayed. It was a powerful and inspiring three days.

At one of the sessions, I was sitting by my granddaughter, Emma. The message wasn’t exactly geared toward nine year olds, so I gave her my notebook and a pencil. She went right to work, drawing pictures and filling up page after page.

After I got home,
I pulled out the notebook to read over some of the notes I took.
Then I found this.

It took my breath away.

At the conference we heard brilliant speakers and listened to gifted musicians. We contemplated Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones. We learned how to set up a prayer room. We were reminded that effective ministry depends on leaders with healthy souls. We were challenged to make prayer a priority, personally and in the church.

It was all good. So, so good.

But Emma’s message was the one I needed the most.

See that lightning and fire in the sky?
See those pelting raindrops?
There are storms raging all around me—
downpours meant to overwhelm and discourage.

See that rainbow?
See the many layers of protection it provides?
Jesus’ love and grace surrounds me—
He keeps me under the shadow of his wings.

See that fragile flower?
See how it stays right in the center?
That’s me.
And Emma.

You are a hiding place for me.
You protect me from my troubles.
You surround me.
Psalm 32:7