Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sleep and Manna

Somebody mark this post & link it back to me in about 5 months, ok? Because I'm tired of being tired all the time...by 5:30 or 6 every night I am either rubbing my eyes like a tired toddler, or already passed out on the couch. By the time I get done working all day & desperately trying to be patient with my kids (I mean, loving all the family time)...I just want to be able to relax and enjoy the quiet. It seems like I never get to the quiet before I fall asleep!

And yet, I know I will be CRAVING sleep in October. I wish I could store it up now and save it for later. Sleep for me is like manna was to the Israelites...God gives me enough for the day and I'm trying to be thankful for it, even when I don't want to sleep.

One thing I'm noticing as I read about the Israelites--they grumbled and complained a lot. I'm certainly guilty of this in my own life, but I'm asking the Holy Spirit to make me aware of it. I want to be thankful anyway...they ate manna for 40 years. Every day, for 40 years. For sure, that would make anyone have to be "thankful anyway."

Today, I am thankful...
  • for sweet, gracious husband who gently sends me to bed at 8:00 every night...and doesn't take no for an answer when he knows I really need to rest.
  • for a son who loves words.
  • that my daughter is persistent and keeps trying until she succeeds.
  • for a place to live, no matter how inconvenient...it's still home.
  • that I can pay my bills online (nice when this pregnant woman forgets)
  • for a full pantry despite the feeling of "there's nothing to eat in here." Chicken 3 nights in a row is not a hardship.
  • that although my family isn't close geographically, we're all healthy and safe.
  • that I get to see my family in a few weeks! Birthdays and weddings--so exciting!
  • for age 4 and age 1. So far my favorite ages.
  • for really funny Mother's Day cards (Mom I can't wait til you open yours!)
  • for the living and active Word of God. Even just the few paragraphs I read a minute ago have brought light to my eyes and hope to my soul.
  • I have a job that makes enough money so one of us can stay at home and raise our children the way we want them to be raised. Of course, I would love for that to be me staying at home, but I'm grateful Marc gets to have this time with the kids...it's priceless.
  • for giggles and strawberries and dispensing whipped cream right out of the can into our mouths. What joy that brings our children!
  • for new life in my womb. Baby Hmmm, who are you? What will you look like? Who will you be like? I can't wait to find out!
  • for Schwans ice cream. Favorite flavors, you ask? So glad you asked! Chocolate Malt Twist and Summers Dream (orange sherbet/vanilla ice cream). Yes, we buy them in the gallon sizes. No, you may not judge us.
  • for owls and bedtimes and Bible stories and snuggles "just for 5 minutes?"
  • for comfy sheets and remembering things at 4 am when I wake up to pee. At least I'm remembering them some time, right? Better than forgetting altogether.

What are you thankful for today?