It is so exciting being in February and joining in on another Five Minute Friday! I have been so blessed by stretching my brain and writing alongside some wonderful people that gather at Kate Motaung’s blog Heading Home. Five Minute Friday is a treat! Sometimes things get serious, and sometimes they are light. It’s always worth joining in. The goal is to write without limits for five minutes. I hope that you will join in sometime. Learn more about Five Minute Friday here.
Today’s prompt is – BREATHE
Let’s Go!
My life lately…or nights anyway.
1:00 AM
Breathe in for a count of two and out for a count of three.
Do I dare look at the clock again?
1:15 AM
Breathe in for a count of two and our for a count of three.
This was the advice from a dear listener at the radio station where I have worked for the last 9 years. She wasn’t the first to hear of my struggle, and she offered advice that worked for her. “When you can’t sleep, concentrate for a while on your breathing. All the other things that have consumed your mind, will fall to the wayside. Breathe in for a count of two and then out for a count of three. Try it. It works!”
Sometimes it works. But some nights there are no cures. All the herbal remedies and breathing techniques just don’t cut it. The mind simply swims with thoughts and ideas. No position is comfortable, and you just know tomorrow is on its way like a freight train.
This is another late night that will slowly oh so slowly turn into another day. And if I don’t get more sleep, the day will greet me like a slap in the face.
Tonight is not a night for a mind that won’t quit. Tomorrow is a day already overflowing with plans. And unfortunately, tomorrow is not going to wait for me to get back to sleep. Oh if only tomorrow would be sweet to me!
2:25 AM
Breathe in for a count of two and our for a count of three.
I may or may not have flipped around in my bed for the tenth time. I have learned how to be quiet about it. I have learned how to stave off the restlessness so I won’t disturb my husband. I am begging God now. Would He stretch out the night before me so that I can somehow get the rest of at least four hours in the two and a half hours that remain before my alarm rings out. Even now I know I will probably calculate at 5:00 AM just how much later I might stay in bed if I cut out a few things like breakfast and blow drying my hair. But maybe if I try once more to breathe…
5:00 AM
Somehow God has answered my prayers. I know He heard me. He’s always listening. I’m a little draggy but He will strengthen me.
He always does and always will.
STOP
Thank you for visiting. Today my mind was stuck on Breathe by Jonny Diaz. It reminds me again and again that I can rest in the Lord. Have a great day!
Sorry to hear about your sleeping problems. My mom also struggles with that and it’s really not easy. But she also said he has met the Lord at the most unusual times. Happy weekend to you!
Katha, it is beautiful how the Lord can use ALL things to draw us closer. Funny how even a sleepless night fits in. Thanks so much for coming by. Have a great weekend!
God always sustains. I hope you get a good night’s rest tonight and in the nights to follow.
He sure does. Thank you Barbie. Funny the things that come to mind when you read a word prompt. I am still definitely feeling deeply my reliance on the Lord. Have a blessed weekend.
Sorry you’re having problems sleeping. That is no fun. I’m glad you felt God strengthening you, but praying that things improve and you’re able to get the sleep you need.
Lesley, thank you so much. We are all where we are. Totally appreciate the prayer. Totally appreciating the Lord for His strength. Loving on naps too. 🙂 Thank you for praying and visiting. What a blessing you are.
Jonny Diaz’s song came to my mind also. Thanks for sharing! I will try breathing next time my mind whirls through the night. I have trouble settling it down for sleep as well. God bless you. Visiting from FMF.
Thanks for visiting, Marsha. I think the breathing does help, and lots of prayer! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
The nights can be so long at times 🙁 Really hope they get easier for you and you find solace in breathing and soak up those naps. Be kind to yourself xx
Thank you Emma. You are so dear.
Bleh, I’ve had nights like that… it’s the worst! Breathing helps in theory, but sometimes the mind won’t stop. :/ Hope you can find better rest soon!
Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog. Kind of fun to learn you work in radio too! I’ve worked for a couple different stations over the past 10+ years. It’s a weird, fun job to have. 🙂 Nice to meet you!
Radio is a funny animal. Christian radio especially. Now I am all hybrid as part of a group that has several stations, one which is Christian. It is all fun though. 🙂 I didn’t realize you are in New England too. I miss it!
Thanks for visiting!
As someone who is more intimately acquainted with insomnia and for longer than I thought possible, your post resonated with me. 🙂 I thank God for His grace. May His grace abound toward you. Blessings.
Thank you Esther. I pray this doesn’t continue much longer, but the Lord sustains. Have a blessed day, and thank you for coming by. 🙂
Awww, Kelly. I’m so sorry you deal with insomnia. I had this for the first five years of our marriage. I remember the thoughts you shared here. The prayers for multiplied rest in the scant hours I still had for sleep. I remember early morning walks venting my frustration to God. I remember leaning into the insomnia and into God’s grace. I’m praying for you tonight.
Jeanne, thank you so much for the encouragement and the prayers. You bless my heart greatly. Maybe I need to ask the Lord if He has something to say to me. God bless you. 🙂