Do You Have “Wide Awake” Parties at Night?

My Mom was a light sleeper. I was a sound sleeper, but over the years, I’ve found myself waking up more often, and even after only about 6 hours of sleep at night, I’m wide awake. There’s plenty of traits my Mom had that I want, but not that one. I was telling my mom-in-law about my sleep patterns and she boasted of falling asleep before her head even hits her pillow, and doesn’t wake up until she’s had a good 8 or 9 hours of sleep (except for the usual bathroom breaks in the night). With all the other physical issues she’s had, I’m so thankful, sleep isn’t one of them!

I’ll force my eyes shut, try to shut down my mind, say my alphabet acronyms: “A = awesome God, B = beautiful Savior, C = Christ before me, etc., and often, I’ll fall back asleep. But what if there’s something more to consider? I really do want to follow King David’s lead when he said “I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 63:6-7. King David penned those words in the wilderness, on the run from a vast army led by his own rebellious son. Yikes! If there were ever a moment to be up at night worrying, this would be it.

David did lie awake at night, but not for the reasons we’d expect. Instead of fearing for his life or devising a plan of escape, he couldn’t stop thinking about God.

What if God’s plans for us are nighttime meditations, like King David experienced? The Creator of the universe, and the Creator of you and me, just might want our undivided attention, and what better time to have that attention, than when we’re not distracted by phone calls and Instagram and Facebook and “to do” lists and emails?

I’ve made up my mind, if God is wanting one-on-one time with me and the best time is in the middle of the night, then so be it! When I find myself tossing and turning, just maybe God is stirring my nest to teach me something. Instead of counting sheep, and saying alphabet acronyms, the best thing to do is count on God’s faithfulness, His power and provision. It’s humorous to consider that God is watching me toss and turn, trying so hard to fall asleep, when He has nuggets of wisdom to share with me. Just maybe, instead of forcing myself to sleep, maybe I should plan a “Wide Awake” Party to “party” with my Creator!