I don’t get up early to milk.
As a matter of fact, my farmer prefers that I not be up at that hour.
Really.
I tried getting up with him and my father in law.
I thought I would help.
There came a time when they begged me not to help.
I am one of those people that can not function with out sleep.
Ask my college room mates.
While everyone was gathering in the living room for LA Law.
I was hopping into my nice, comfy bed.
It is still my greatest desire all day; to head to bed.
The earlier the better.
There are some days that I bail.
Yup. Bail on the day.
Like, at 7:00.
And I love every minute of it.
I am blessed with sleep.
I rarely wake.
If I do, I fall right back to sleep.
Unless, my farmer is out of town.
In our 23 years of marriage I have been away more than my farmer.
Recently the desire to go to Haiti has called him away from the farm.
This new experience challenges me in different ways.
The sleep, on those nights, involve much prayer and a little sleep deprivation.
Usually, my last thoughts before I fall asleep are,
“Thank you God so much for this bed, the sheets, my pillow Zzzzz.”
I wonder if it is because it’s so busy throughout the day?
So the quiet of my bed is enticing.
Whatever the reason.
I am so grateful.
When our world shattered.
One of the gifts was sleep.
Sweet peace from the horror of the circumstances.
It is still sweet peace.
Some days I long for the reprieve of sleep to escape the ache.
For those nights, I am so deeply grateful.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
I am thankful for :
Going to bed early
a bed, blankets and pillows
my farmer; my partner in life
Sunday dinner around the farm house table
The growing and stretching of relationships in the family
Our farm boy and his creativity
the practice of gratitude it causes me to be more aware of life around me
the crisp air and smells of Autumn
moments of sweet surrender to a Holy God
the freedom to Worship
Democracy
the upcoming elections and our Freedom to vote
God, who is our ultimate leader and is in control of all things; loving us and working his plans
the start of a new day; may God use me for His glory and purposes today
the quiet of this morning; giving thanks for all-even when it is hard
It is the day before the elections.
My prayer is that we , as a Nation, give thanks and praise for the Freedom we have to vote,
to openly express our opinions without fear of imprisonment or punishment.
I pray that we head to our knees before we head to the polls;
asking for wisdom and a humble heart.
I also pray that we remember, our biggest change begins with our own hearts.
Becoming a people who gives thanks, instead of slander.
Gives grace instead of harsh words.
I, too, need much practice in this area.
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
