So Tired

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Have you ever been so tired that you couldn't think straight and if you even stopped moving for a minute you would fall asleep? Well if you are a mom you know the feeling. I have been blessed with pretty good sleepers, but my children like to sleep near ( some right on) me or my husband. Well that does not really allow for a good night's sleep. I have often walked around like a zombie in the daylight hours for lack of sleep.

This verse in Isaiah has always been a favorite of mine. I take comfort that God will supply all my needs and have witnessed his provision in my life time and again. Parenting is a tough and exhausting job and so often we may want to just sit right down and give up. As parents we are often called upon to go the extra mile on little fuel, smile when we feel like crying and make tough decisions for the good of our families. Being tired and feeling worn down may bring on the feeling of being totally overwhelmed.

Recently I had committed to one too many things over a short period of time. All good causes and all things I was capable of accomplishing, but it meant a lack of quality sleep. When my commitments had ended I was exhausted, physically, emotionally, and mentally and looking forward to just getting a good rest. We had come home from running an errand and I was unloading the car and thinking about what to fix as a quick lunch, all the while excited that soon I would be climbing into bed. It was then that I heard the scream from my youngest daughter. It was not her usual cry when things don't go her way, this was a" mom come quick, I need help now" cry. I went running to the kitchen to find her standing in a pool of olive oil and broken glass. I quickly removed my now sobbing, but unhurt daughter to a clean part of the kitchen, removed her shoes and sent her out of the room with her older sister as the pool of oil spread out over the floor.

I was tired and now frustrated as I set to picking up the glass pieces so that I could start on the oil spill. Thirty minutes, one roll of paper towels and one bleeding finger later I was still frustrated and even more tired, but thankful. That cry from my little girl could have been something much worse and the reality was that God gave me the strength to deal with the situation. So often when we need Him most He is there for us, even in the little things. He knows what you are going through and He will provide the strength.

Heavenly Father,

We are so tired at times Lord that often we don't seen the provisions You have for us. Help us to know that You will provide rest for those who need it. Help us to take time to look to You that we might be renewed and refreshed, that we might be better mothers and examples to our precious children. Amen