There are some nights when, no matter what you do, you just can't sleep. You have taken the warm tea or milk, you have read a good novel but still aren't sleepy. What then? Well, you can pray and I do try to take advantage of this time to do just that. I also go over recent doings around my house and life and mull what has to be done, not so much worrying as just getting a tab on things. But then you are done with that. You look at the clock and it is only 1:00a.m. Now is where it gets interesting. Now is the think tank time.
Where I start doesn't matter. I may spend an hour or so just thinking about a teacher I had in first grade and something about that teacher reminds me of a drama teacher I had in high school. I will dwell on these scenes for some time and another memory of a school friend I knew then will come to me and I will wonder where they are. These free flowing thoughts can go on all night. When I am truly alert, I can compose whole letters in my mind that I could write if I had to. I often get ideas about things to do in the future and have to get up and write them down.
What I was thinking of as unusual was how many thought sessions I have behind me at my age. There are just so many little pockets of images and feelings and scenes to go through. I have lived a long time already. A life is built on all of the little things that we do that pile up to one big life. Maybe our lives are so busy, we don't have time to go through these little sessions and assess where we are and where we want to go,
In the morning after one of these times I'm somewhat sleepy but not too worse for wear. As long as they don't happen too often (and they don't), I am thankful that I can clear the air, look at what was and start over with what will be.
I had one of those nights last night. Too much sugar during the day I think. The night would just not end and I am exhausted today. I will sleep good tonight though. :O)
ReplyDeleteNormally when i have one of those nights, God is wanting me to get up and get in His Word. He usually has something big to show me! I just need to work on being obedient each time!
ReplyDeleteI'm involved in my church's women's ministry and our spring fellowship is going to be on prayer. We were just talking about how we don't pray enough and what a wonderful thing it is to do if you can't sleep--almost as if God has you at a perfectly still time to be only in His presence. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy -
ReplyDeleteAt this stage, it's unusual for me to sleep through the night uninterrupted. I do best when I avoid naps, caffeine late at night, and bed immediately after a lot of mental activity.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I lay awake when I first put my head down and that's when I pray or think about all that has happened. Lately I have been sleeping better--thank heavens! But I went through a long period where I couldn't.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique idea on how to spend those sleepless nights, Nancy. I must confess, doing something like that has never occurred to me. I usually just try to make myself lay horizontal and read until I can't keep my eyes open anymore!
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