Monday, October 13, 2008

I Made the Right Choice

It's 10:00 and I'm winding down for the night. Or maybe I should say I'm gearing up for the night. : )

I'm setting up my middle of the night feeding station-
nursing pillow, check
burp rag, check
thrush medicine and clean syringes, check
gas drops, check
nursing pads stocked, check
diapers stocked, check

There used to be a time when I just "went to bed." Oh how I long for those days again. But he is worth every minute of it. I am tired, but so thankful to be here.

I've been reflecting on today and what a good day it was. I think the reason it was such a good day was because of a choice I made at 2:00 this afternoon.

My oldest daughter was in school, my younger daughter was having some quiet time in front of a movie, and my baby was napping. It was the perfect set-up for a nap, but I had that nagging feeling like a nap wasn't the right choice this time.

This is what I prayed, "Lord, I have enough time to either pray, clean, or sleep, and to be perfectly honest sleep is what I want. If I choose to pray instead, I am going to need some supernatural energy to make it through this day and I'm going to need some supernatural help to get my work done, the girls to AWANA on time tonight, and clothes ready for the girls to wear for picture day tomorrow."

I wish I could say I dropped everything and prayed, but it took a little bit more convincing from that gentle whisper asking me to come spend some time with Him. I ended up having a great prayer time, and I was able to talk to Him about some things I've been carrying around on my shoulders. I walked away from that time more refreshed than a nap could have ever made me feel.

And then an amazing thing happened- I got laundry done, I was able to make dinner AND get the girls to AWANA without stress. I got some dishes done. The girls have clothes to wear for their pictures tomorrow and I'm going to bed before midnight.

It's impossible to put into words how many little things God did for me this afternoon to confirm that the prayer time was the right choice. Sometimes I think of prayer as a duty and forget how much it blesses me.

Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite.

(And please, please, please sleep through the night little man!)


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too remember the days of just going to bed. I wouldn't have it any other way now. I love the whole process of getting him ready for bed.

I unfortunately think I would have napped. I have been working on my time with God. I wish I had the will power you have to not sleep, but spend much needed time with God!

BTW.... did he sleep all night?

Becky Avella said...

Dani,

Don't worry...I choose the nap option most often. It's the only way to survive. : )

No..he didn't sleep through the night. I'm still hoping he'll surprise me some day soon. Actually anything longer than three hours would be awesome.

: ) Becky

Shiloh said...

Wow! You are amazing! I think that I would have taken a nap as well. But, I know what you are talking about, sometimes when you hear Him speaking softly to your spirit it can be easy to miss but when you realize that He is asking something of you, how can you refuse?
Good for you!!!

Anonymous said...

I now pray that you get some supernatural sleep! You know, the kind that 3 hours actually refreshes and strengthens you like 8. I love you! Mom

The Jernigan Family said...

Isn't it crazy how much you miss sleep once you become a mommy. Luckily I am just at the point where I am cleaning and doing daily chores and getting into the swing of things....I love my roomba, it vacumes my house while I sleep! I think my biggest adjustment to becoming a mom is realizing that you are a mom 24/7 and you don't get to call in sick! Love you