Be with me Lord

The last couple of weeks have seemed exhausting. I am entering into one of the busiest seasons for my work. I have also been working extra at my casual pool jobs to earn money for my upcoming trip. Needless to say many days I feel tired and exhausted. Yesterday was no different. Adding to the exhaustion and worry was that phone call that parents dread. My child was in pain and hurting. His friend was in pain and hurting. When something like this happens with one of my children I picture scenes from the movie The Passion. I picture the agony on Mary's face as she watched her son on His path. I picture Mary on her knees wiping up His blood. Those images comfort me to know that I'm not alone in wanting to protect my adult children.
At church I began to pray for the intercession of the Holy Spirit to guard and protect my child and his friends.  I imagine a holy light coming down to surround and protect them. After hearing our
responsorial Psalm for the weekend, "Be with me Lord when I am in trouble", I said my prayers with more fervor. I prayed with myself in mind as well because my heart is in trouble observing and hearing my child's pain. At first it felt selfish. Then I remembered how God gave Mary comfort at the foot of the cross. He knows too my heart was hurting and will be with me.