In my greatest moment of uncertainty, I was given a warm blanket.

When the nurse covered me in it, I almost immediately stopped shaking. Holding the soft edges, my unsteady hands were anchored.

“Thank you,” I managed to say without letting my emotions get the best of me. It was just what I needed when I didn’t know what I needed.

“Just doing my job,” said the nurse with kind eyes and capable hands.

I wrapped that blanket around me tighter and promised I would not forget that moment.

It came back to me this morning as I stared into the face of my 10-year-old daughter in her moment of great uncertainty.

I gathered her into my arms.
I assured her of my love.
I spoke of divine protection.
I reminded her that some of her classmates might feel scared and shaky too.

“Be extra kind today,” I whispered.
“Be extra patient with others,” I said.
“Remember love is stronger,” I called as she walked away.

My baby turned and gave me two thumbs up, the warm blanket draped securely across her shoulders.

I called my friend who I knew would be feeling unsteady this morning.

I assured of my love.
I let her know I was here to listen.
I reminded her she was not alone.
“We’ll get through this together,” I said.
I wrapped her in warm blanket and she cried.

I went the post office. The mood was somber.
I noticed the postal worker’s shaky hands as she weighed my package.
“Rough morning?” I asked.
She nodded, unable to speak.

“Take your time,” I said.
“I'm in no rush,” I assured.
“I see you’re in pain today, and I am sorry,” I whispered.

I saw the release of her chest.
She smiled faintly at me, and I detected a glimmer of hope.
The warm blanket was in place.

What I didn’t realize until today is how big that blanket was that the nurse gave me last December. I didn’t realize until this morning that it’s big enough to stretch across the world.

All it takes to reach people is to do what the nurse said – just do my job.

And my job is to BE love –

Not the perfectly worded, well-rehearsed, one-sided love that comes only on special occasions or when it’s convenient.

but the noticing, listening, put in the effort, feel-it-in-your-bones kind of love …

the Show Up kind of love that is found where it is least expected and when it is most needed …

the kind of love that silences hate talk, breaks down barriers, and cannot be contained, silenced, or overpowered …

the mountain-moving type of love that cultivates hope and makes good things possible.

My job is to BE love –

the warm blanket kind of love that steadies shaky hands and supports weak legs so they can step away from the bed of pain and begin to heal.

Today let me BE love like it’s my job.

My end-of-the-day goal is to see how far my blanket can stretch.

May it reach your shoulders today.

By Rachel Macy Stafford

Shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel
My friend Laura's blanket