7.18.2016

Awake


Summer is buzzing along outside my doors.


Temperatures have been mild, so we've had lots of open-window nights.
The music of night creatures accompanied by wind in the chimes is a magic 
carpet straight to dreamland. Where I want to stay until morning. 

But ... now that I'm older, I have lots more time for pondering in the hours when 
the rest of my house sleeps. Maybe you can identify. 
These days, with no rhyme or reason, my eyes just flutter open and I'm awake.
Am I awake to pray? Undoubtedly. 
Am I awake to worry? Often.
Am I awake because I'm almost fifty? (sigh) That's what I hear. 

I love how Father Tim, main character of the Mitford novels, prays his way through 
the town of Mitford during his nighttime waking hours. 
Following his literary example, I turn the fan up a notch and settle back in bed to pray my 
way through the rooms of my home, for every beloved who comes and goes through these doors. 
Then I turn my nighttime prayer walk in the direction of my nearest neighbors.
Though still in bed, I stand in front of their homes and ask for blessing, mercy, wisdom.
In my mid-night prayers, I wander our church asking favor on those who minister there.
Sometimes, I even prayer wander to visit our missionaries on far foreign fields ... 
are you getting sleepy yet?

I wish I was.


8 comments:

  1. I have lots of awake nights now, too. And yes, it's a great time to pray . I don't mind my sleep-less nights as I don't have to get up at a specific time in the morning, and I find I really do get by with less sleep than when I was younger. Every age has its surprises :)

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  2. I love this post! I often use my night time awakenings to pray. We're so much alike!

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  3. We are so much alike, it's true, dear friend! Wander by my house next time you're prayer-wandering.

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  4. Hi, Jenny! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I love to hear from you. And you're right - every age DOES have its own surprises.

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  5. Susan,

    I love your posts and thoughts. This one especially hits home.
    Thanks for sharing!
    love,
    Glenda

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  6. I have spent many nights awake in prayer - and with a fan on!

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  7. Glenda - so good to hear from you!
    Thanks for visiting, friend.

    S

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  8. Mindy - YES the fan is a must! My poor husband...

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Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts my way. I love to hear from you!