Sheltered

Waiting for the parade to begin, Evelyn watched as her sister buried her face in Mom's shoulder. Evelyn used to do that too when she was little. There was a woman talking to Mom, and Elise was scared of the stranger. Mom motioned Evelyn over.Evelyn straightened up. It was okay for a toddler to bury her face, but Evelyn was ten, and she wasn't going to hide. She walked over and smiled when Mom introduced her to her friend.The parade started with a loud siren ringing out. Evelyn covered her ears with her hands. She saw Elise bury her face in Mom's shoulder again. Part of her wished she could join her.Evelyn watched as a band marched through the street. The clashing cymbals were her favorite. She hoped that she could be in a band like that one day. Next, there were horses, then a decorated truck.Evelyn was enjoying the parade and barely noticed the rain as it started to fall. Then it started to thunder. Everyone scattered. She turned to where her mom had been, but she wasn't there.Evelyn started to look around frantically for her family. "Mom! Where are you?"A million thoughts went through Evelyn's head. She thought of all of the bad things that could happen. Then she heard her Sunday school teacher's voice in her head telling her that God was her safe place--that Jesus died for her sins so she could be safe with Him forever. She thought of her sister in Mom's arms. She wanted God to hold her like that.Evelyn started to walk down the street, calling out for her mom. She prayed, asking God to keep her safe and help her find her family.Finally, Evelyn heard her mom's voice. She turned and ran to her. This time, she let herself bury her face in her mom's shoulder."I'm so sorry," Mom said. "I thought you heard me tell you we were going to the shelter."Mom had her arms wrapped tightly around her, and Evelyn didn't want to move. Ever. She realized that's how it felt to be sheltered by God. She smiled, glad that the safe place she had in Jesus felt as secure as being held by her mom. -Emily Acker