Sleep, Glorious Sleep

I’ve often wondered, how would one survive if they only had 2 ½ hours of sleep, and had to go into work and take care of five precious little ones for twelve hours?? Without falling asleep during vital signs and bath times, I might add. Well, I found the answer yesterday: By God’s Grace.

Time has been a whirlwind these past two weeks. Tis the season for RSV, pneumonia, and the flu to run rampant in our community. So into work I go nearly every day: to meet these giants head on in a battle to save the children!!! (Okay, so that’s the dramatic version of what I do as a nurse.) Every time I clean out a snotty nose, change a dirty diaper, feed a hungry mouth, stroke a tiny hand, I am reminded of how special each and every life is to God, no matter how small. The Bible reminds us to ready our hands to meet daily battles that we will face:

Psalm 144:1 – “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

You can bet I’m tired after such a busy few weeks, but I have to admit – I don’t feel tired when I’m in the midst of the hustle and bustle at the hospital. Again: By God’s Grace, my feet keep walking!

Isaiah 40:31 - “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Right when I get used to moving as fast as a hurricane, God provides those little moments for me to stand still, and admire His exquisite creation. Lord, forgive me when I forget to pray for the little ones who pass through the hospital. The opportunity is SO valuable, and is so ready to be embraced. This could be an encouragement to anyone, in any field. Don’t forget to pray for any person you come in contact with on a daily basis. You could be the ONLY person to pray for them today. THAT is quite a calling. By God’s Grace: we are able to reach out and touch someone today. How exciting!!

Don’t forget to catch up on that sleep – it really is important for your health. (As I have been finding out recently…) Sunday is a day for rest, God certainly knew what He was doing when He created the seventh day. Sleep, Glorious Sleep ---- I was blessed with ten hours of it last night. Now, let’s face this BEAUTIFUL day (which God has given to us) with joy and thanksgiving!!

Dreaming of Spring

I was lying awake last night, listening to the silence. I thought I heard the slightest sound of a cricket, and I strained to hear. Alas, I think it was my imagination. Suddenly, I heard a whole host of summer night sounds as my imagination took over. Ahh, the cool summer night's breeze, the crickets singing me to sleep, an occasional whippoorwill's call, the frog's lonely sounds carrying across the wind, and the curtains waving lazily as the open windows allowed a comforting breeze to pass through them.

By the above paragraph, I am guessing that you can tell I'm ready for spring to arrive! It would be lovely to walk out of the house without putting a dozen and a half layers on... (which makes me look like a puff ball, by the way!)

After all the dreaming about spring, I have to remind myself "to everything there is a season." (Ecclesiastes)

In addition:
Hosea 6:3
"Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Yes, I know, spring is coming!! It's only a matter of time now. This verse from Hosea is very encouraging. We don't have to wait for the overwhelming beauty of springtime to awaken us to God's magnificence. He will reveal himself to us through even the coldest, dreariest winter day. Even though I am still dreaming of the day I can run bear-foot through luscious green grass again, I will praise my Heavenly Father for the snow and miracles of winter as well!