I know most people my age have heard the song that admonishes us to count our blessings instead of sheep when we’re having a hard time getting to sleep.
Tossing and turning some nights plagues everyone, no matter what the age. Our head hits the pillow and our thoughts cut loose like a bunch of marathon runners. Did I pay the electricity bill? What should I get my husband for his birthday? I only wrote one chapter instead of two today. We simply can’t let go of the stressors of the day. And in the middle of the night, problems seem magnified and overwhelming. Internal thoughts hinder our sleep.
I looked up some techniques that psychologists suggest. One is imagine placing the thought on a leaf and tossing the leaf off in a stream, allowing it to float away. Another is don’t go to bed until really sleepy, and go to bed at the same time every night.
But I found a strategy that benefits me every time. When I’m tossing, I heed the words of the old song about counting blessings. I know that sounds really simple, but when we thank God for our blessings and acknowledge that all good things come from Him, we can’t help but become relaxed and drowsy. Too, some of those blessings may fill our dreams.
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Proverbs 10:6a “Blessings crown the head of the righteous.” That’s a promise I want to embrace. Count your blessings and give thanks to the Lord.
I am thankful for God’s blessings. One of those blessings is having you as a friend. 🙂
You are on my list of blessing too, my friend.