I've been alternating nights between my kids' beds, allowing time and whistling breezes to rid my room of the lingering smell of paint. Last night this one was my sleeping buddy. His snuggles are so warm, his embraces so tight, and his droopy lids smile even in r.e.m.
It took me much longer to fall asleep. The thoughts of the day, the plans for tomorrow; gratitude for today, supplication for tomorrow kept racing through my head, cycling between elation and anxiety.
Instead of counting sheep, I've taken to reciting precious promises, whether from scripture or from song. Training my mind on what is true, what is sure, what is unshakable allows me to give up the worries of the moment and renew my hope for what is yet to come.
Each morning I awake, with new mercies served up with the sun. I open my eyes to smaller, eager eyes peering at me from mere centimeters away and I rejoice, knowing that this too is how my God sees me even now.
