Under His Wings

It was 20° in our sub-tropical, Deep South town of Mobile, Alabama this morning when I awoke, snug in my bed under fluffy, thick covers.  My warm little beagle (warm is correct, but "little" may not be the best adjective for Sparrow, but don't tell her!)

As I enjoyed the comfort of our bed, the cold air refreshing on my face since the rest of me was so warm, I remembered a similar feeling about 41 years ago.

I had spent the night with a school-friend.  It must have been February or March because I remember we went to a Mardi Gras parade that night. When we came home her mother took us upstairs, to what I now know to be the attic, but didn't realize those things then.  There were two twin beds ready for us.

"There's not much heat up here, but you'll be warm as long as you stay in bed," was her encouraging words about the chilly temperature.

I crawled into my bed, which must have had four or five thick quilts and down comforters upon it.  Immediately, I felt cocooned in comfort.  The air I was breathing was cold, but the rest of me was as comfortable as possible.  I don't remember much else about that visit.  I certainly don't remember the shock of my feet touching those cold floor-boards in the morning.  My entire memory is wrapped up in that feeling of feeling warm and safe in those quilts.

The memory makes me think of the words to an old hymn:

Under His Wings

by William Cushing

Music by Ira Sankey

Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!

How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.

As Christians, we are always located "under His wings."  There we are perfectly protected, perfectly comforted and perfectly loved.

Psalms 91:4

"He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust:  

His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."