Sleepless Nights

Ah, newborns.

Last night, I felt like we were living out the line of an old Ernest Tubb Song:

I'm walking the floor over you
I can't sleep a wink that is true.

Of course our friends find it amusing. One card we received says, "Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)...remember that at 3 am!

Now I will be the first to admit, I love my sleep. I have never been a deep sleeper. I usually go down at 11 and get up at 6 and am ready to go. Getting up throughout the night, I forgot how FUN that was. No I value my sleep. It's precious. I will dare say I covet a good nights sleep.

Yeah, that's out the window.

So now I have a choice. I can be miserable and whiny about losing sleep...or I can see it for the opportunity it is.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I have the chance to use my lack of sleep for something good. Like prayer and worship. There were times last night when I found myself singing praises to Him as I rocked my son back to sleep. I also found prayer coming to my lips. More than just, "Oh God let me get some sleep!"

I want to use these times, the many that lie ahead, to glorify God. To sing praises, to pray over my family, or the missionary across the globe.

Just remind me of that if you see me looking tired from a sleepless night!