A Full Night's Sleep

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 107: Today. I am grateful for a full night's sleep. 

There is nothing like a full night's sleep. There is a reason God designed our bodies for children primarily in our 20's and 30's. He has special blessings for those he gifts with a babies in their 40's... but it might not always be sleep. 

In case you were wondering... a puppy is like having a baby again, but no convenience of diapers. There is a reason God made babies, toddlers and puppies extra cute. It helps us love them through the sleepless nights and busy days. Keeping them safe and alive is a full time occupation. 

Last night, was sweet. A real, full night's sleep! At fourteen weeks, Daisy Mae did it. Yes... having a puppy is a whole lot like having a baby!  

There are many reasons people don't sleep. For some it is babies, chronically ill children, anxiety, two jobs to make ends meet, or "the second shift job" at home for any working woman. Lack of sleep becomes oppressive as well as exhausting. A full night's sleep means we can take a deep breath in front of the new day.  To be truly rested is a simple blessing. 

Jesus tried to model making time to rest and pray, but he was constantly interrupted. He would grab sleep in a storm on a ship, while the other's fretted. He would get up in the early morning before others were awake to commune with the Father. 

He knew the exhaustion of grief and work when his cousin, John the Baptist was beheaded, but the people continued to press in on him for teaching and his healing touch. He continued to minister, heal and pour out God's love on them, even during his own troubles. Yes, Jesus had troubles, too. They can't be avoided in this world. 

Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:24-27

As I sit here, I know that any exhaustion I may experience, pales in comparison, to the night Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. He spent the night praying before his arrest, trial, beatings and crucifixion. That night, his closest friends feel asleep as he was carrying the weight of the world's sin on his shoulders.    

Did "Be still and know that I am God." give him comfort? Did prayer give him a feeling of peace beyond the circumstance? Did "Be strong and courageous" echo in his head to give him strength when his human side was exhausted? Did his night on his knees in tearful prayer give the strength and resolve to get through the path to the cross?  

One of the best sleep aides I know is to simply pray ourselves to sleep. It doesn't have to be fancy, just sincere. Most of us have a list of people and situations that need carried to our Lord. (Warning... this kind of prayer can lead to hearing God speak in new ways and it can be kind of scary until you get used to it.) It helps us press on when sleep is short. 

Today, I know the antidote for sleeplessness, but I celebrate the joy of a full night's sleep. Going without sleep makes me savor the preciousness of the ordinary blessing. 

Today. I am grateful for a full night's sleep.