Saturday, August 16, 2008

China Childhood Memories - Bedtime Prayer

In the interior of China where we were stationed, there was a problem with rodents. Large rats would come scuttling around on the floor at night. In my mind, as a child, they seemed as large as cats. But as I've grown up, I realize that they probably weren't that big. Even though we had mosquito netting around our beds for protection, I was afraid of the dark. My Mom taught me this poem and it helped me not to be afraid.

Four corners to my bed,
Four angels round my head.
One to watch, One to pray,
And two to keep all fears away.

I could just picture these angels and knew that God was taking care of me as I slept.

18 comments:

Julie said...

I think I have seen that poem or one like it. Beautiful.

Charlotte said...

This is beautiful. God certainly blessed your childhood. And what a cute little girl you were.

Carrie said...

Lovely poem. I am thankful also for Bible promises about angels.

Jeanette said...

Beautiful poem..Rats oh my I dont think i would have been able to sleep even with those beautiful words.....

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

It's always a joy to see your old photo's and read your China stories but the prayer is one I will remember to teach my grandchildren!

Have a Wonderful Sonday Ruthie!
Kathi :)

Peggy said...

Blessings Ruthie, how horrible to have childhood memories with rodents butow beautiful a mother's love through a simple poem to reflect and have visions of the glory of the angels keeping watch!

I truly enjoyed this...and am trying to keep the poem in my head while here in Mexico...but I think my dogs keep them away or there's plenty of cats out and about...I pray I never see the large rodents I've seen in my rental home...

Joyfulsister said...

Aloha Ruthie,
I love that prayer and will keep it for my daughter and grandsons. I have never hears that one before. Thanks for sharing with us today.

Blessings Joyfulsister

God Chaser said...

Thanks for sharing that was lovely.

Robin said...

How sweet!

Technonana said...

What a precious picture and a beautiful poem... and those rats could have been that big, I have seen some awfully big ones around barns as a child.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

That's a wonderful poem. I must teach it to my granddaughter. She has the curly hair just like you. I suppose you must think in your mind that if you could endure rats crawling around at night...the Lord can help you endure anything. I'm so thankful He has kept me safe!

Darlene Franklin said...

Precious indeed, Ruthie. Stopping by to say hello.

Susie said...

Hi Ruthie,
What an adorable picture :)
Loved reading your bedtime prayer!
xo

bp said...

That is such a sweet poem/prayer.

nannykim said...

That was thoughtful of your mom to give you that poem. Rats can be quite huge. At one time in our life we lived in Hartford, Connecticut. The city was having a terrible time with rats. The rats entered our house under a stoop and into the basement. When they moved in, we moved out!! They were very big city rats....quite gross. I can totally understand the fear that would come with the presence of rats. They have been known to chew off appendages!

Shirley Mary said...

I thought I had left a comment but I don't see it so I'll try again!
Thanks for visiting my blog and I sure enjoyed reading several of your post.
I can't imagine having rats scuttling around and I can see why you would be afraid of the dark! But the prayer your mother taught you is beautiful.

mary

Kristy said...

Such a precious picture of you, I love your little outfit!
Wonderful memories......(not of the rats,of course!)
;o)

Jan Parrish said...

What a cute little girl you were.