Many kids have something that they want or need to help them feel safe and secure.  It might be the traditional blanket or stuffed animal, or something unusual. In the years I worked with three and four year olds, going to school for the first time found quite a few of them needing their special item as they adjusted to time away from family.  Most of them were able to begin leaving those much loved items at home within a few days or weeks.  But there were those rare few that insisted on bringing it every day – which meant they had to remember to take it home every day!

As a child I had a special blanket that was my security blanket as I adjusted to younger siblings.  Then came the adjustment of my parents’ separation and divorce when I was six.  The next year I had major kidney surgery and clung many nights to a remnant of the much loved blanket.  By that time it was in tatters and my mom and Granny had to pry it away from me to wash it each week.  I vaguely recall the last remnant being the soft satin edging on one corner of fuzzy threads.  Oddly, the one thing I don’t recall is its color!   

As I grew I was introduced to Jesus and His love for me. I learned over my preteen and teen years that His love was all the security I truly needed. But I will admit, that even as a teenager, there were nights I longed for something tangible to hold and squeeze.  It is hard isn’t it to simply be still and allow His love to surround us? Through the many blessings, trials, and events, I am thankful that I realized it was His love and peace that filled my heart when I so desperately needed them.  

So, why is that old security blanket on my mind so much lately?  It all has to do with college football, believe it or not!  In our house, we are big Georgia Bulldog fans. The past few weeks one player’s name has me recalling my blanket anytime I hear his name called after a big play. Ladd McConkey plays wide receiver for the Bulldogs and hearing his last name is what brings a smile to my face.  Because, for some unknown reason, I called my security blanket “my conkie” as soon as I could talk! I was quite often heard crying as I asked “Where is my conkie?”  McConkey/my conkie sound very much alike! 🤭 Hearing Ladd McConkey’s name brings a smile to my face every Saturday afternoon.  

“You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security.”    Proverbs 3:25-26a