Who Needs Sleep? (I do, I do!)

This morning sleep is foremost in my mind. I don't remember the last time I slept uninterrupted through the night. When was it? Was there a period of time when I slept through the night before my second pregnancy? Or was it before I got pregnant the first time? I am not complaining, mind you. I am so thankful that I have little blessings that awaken me from sleep. Just as my husband's snoring at night gives me pause to thank God for his presence- that he is beside me, sleeping next to me (such comfort!), the cries of my little ones are reasons to rejoice, as well. No, I am not choosing to complain, just ponder.

I remember as a preteen and teenager when I would go to slumber parties, the person who got the least amount of sleep got the most bragging rights. We would come home and tell our families, "I only slept four hours!" or "I only slept 45 minutes!" But the highest prize went to the one who could say, "I stayed up all night. I didn't even close my eyes for a minute." That child (and I know because sometimes I was the winner) would then proceed to crash for several hours while the world around him (or her) kept buzzing. How far I have come since the days of my youth! Now, at the ripe old age of 26, I am lucky to make it to 11pm!

Sleep in itself is interesting. We have to sleep. Even those valiant young "night warriors" craving the victory of pulling an all-nighter have to sleep. They can only make it so long without it. Kings and
Presidents have to sleep. Celebrities, entrepreneurs, geniuses, and politicians all require shut-eye in order to function. And the world keeps turning. There is only One who never tires. He holds the world in the palm of His hand and the cares of all of those who trust in Him. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power." (Isaiah 40:28-29)

Do you think part of the way that God "gives strength to the weary" is by giving us the sweet blessing of sleep? Yes! More than that, by causing our bodies to necessitate sleep, He is telling us that He is in control. And He doesn't ever have to hit the "pause" button in order to recharge. He is always charged. It is a reminder that we are not the center of the universe, but He is. Who better to give my midnight worries, concerns, and troubles to? How about the One who keeps the world spinning while I slumber?