SLEEPING GIANT

I hate to be awakened in the middle of the night.  In fact, my most un-favorite verse is the one in Proverbs that says not to love sleep.  For me, that’s a toughie.  Yet, having two little girls, one a bedwetter, you’d think I’d adjust.  Wrong!

But then again, some things are worth waking up to behold.

Recently my husband was away on business and my seven-year old, Elizabeth, hurried into my bedroom at 2:30 a.m.

“I’m scared,” she poked relentlessly at my shoulder.

Now during the day I’m awake enough to be a good Mom.   In fact, I’m a terrific mom.  That’s because I rely on God for insights and answers to such daily dilemmas.  But when asleep I have one thing in mind when interrupted:  getting back to sleep FAST.  So I called on logic.

“Honey we live in a safe neighborhood.”  I hoped that would do and tried to catch up where I’d left off in my dream (that Pulitzer was almost mine!)

“But sometimes people break into safe neighborhood houses.”  She sounded really concerned.  I tried logic and quick fixes again.

“Our house is very strong.  The door is locked.  The windows too.  Go to sleep.”

“But someone could get in!”

“I rubbed my eyes and searched my brain again instead of my heart (where Christ lives).  I glanced over at her freckled face and saw two saucer-sized eyes darting around the shadows of the room.  Oh boy, I thought.  No Pulitzer tonight!

She turned her face to mine and spoke with surprising authority.  “But,” she thought aloud, “since God says all things work together for good to them that love the Lord (Romans 8:28) then even if a robber did break in, it would be best for me since I do love Him so.”

With that she closed her eyes and in an instant was sound asleep.  A dimpled faced theologian.

There was only one problem.  For the rest of the night I was unable to get my thoughts back on Pulitzers and off her words.  I marveled at the incredible simplicity and faith of this little dolly sleeping so peacefully next to me.

Better than even sleep are the profound gifts of a Holy Father.  Only He can change a frightened little girl into a Sleeping Giant!