It seemed like the warmest summer night ever. There was no breeze blowing and the noise of the oscillating fan in the corner of the room was getting to me. It had been a very long night, with many interruptions. At around 3 a.m. I lost count of how many times I had been woken up by my two daughters. Now before you start thinking about this poor, sleep-deprived mom with two babies, I must set the scene here; my daughters are four and six years-old. Is it just me, or will I ever have an uninterrupted night of sleep?Â
It was now 5 a.m. and I was pinned in the middle of our queen-size bed, in-between two comfy pillows, that now nestled the heads of my daughters. Well, kind of. There was one set of legs draped over my rigid body from my youngest who prefers to sleep sideways. My neck and shoulders were aching, and all I could think about was how I was going to make it through the day with no sleep. Then my thoughts turned to my husband, who was probably snug as a bug in a comfy bed at a quiet and cool hotel in Kansas City. That thought did it, I had hit my wall.
I marched both girls back to their bedrooms. And then I lost it. “You will NEVER, EVER, sleep in my bed again. Do you understand me? NEVER!” Did I mention every second-floor window was open? Well on my way back to my bed I started to think. What if one of my neighbors was awakened by my yelling? What if some early morning walker or jogger heard my lecture? They might think I was yelling at my husband? Perhaps it was from lack of sleep, but I started laughing at this thought. Some poor neighbor is probably thinking my marriage is falling apart and I’m ready to kick my husband out.
That couldn’t be further from the truth about my marriage, but the scenario is very real, and I doubt I’m alone here. There are many of us who endure the hardships of having a spouse who travels for business. Or perhaps your husband works odd hours and you are left alone much of the time. If so, I would love to hear from you; your thoughts, your stories, your advice, on this subject.
I would like to keep this topic running for awhile, so please post your comments and check back from time to time to see what others have to say. Until then, know that I am praying for restful and peaceful nights of sleep for you!
September 17th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
I loved the story Krista. It was very captivating and I felt like I was there. As a wife of a police officer who has worked many crazy hours, I completely identify with you. For several years my husband worked a late swing shift with unpredicatable hours so I was the one who had to take care of all the night stuff with the kids. Now that my husband is working a day shift for the first time in several years, it has taken a lot of getting used to. After about 4 months of him being on a normal day schedule, we are settling into a nice routine, but it has taken some getting used to. The transition was tough though because we were so used to the unpredictable hours and not having him home for bedtime 4 nights a week. I think it would be intersting to hear from wives whose husbands went from traveling a lot to no travel at all and how that transition was for their families.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Krista,
What an honest portrayal of what many women experience! As the wife of a man who travels weekly for work, I know the feeling of exasperation. To put a positive light on it- remember how excited everyone is when daddy finally comes home (even if he was gone only one night!) We all look forward to his return and sharing what we have done while away. Despite the struggle, God reminds us how much we value and love one another.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Krista,
Even though I am beyond the child-rearing years and remember so well those sleepless nights, I still become angry in the middle of the night when someone in our bed is snoring–and it’s not me! We live in a condominium community and, since our homes are so close in proximity, noise travels easily. Learning not to raise my voice is constantly on my mind. Thank you God for YOUR very gentle reminder.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I love how the story opens…it could be any new mom thinking that this lack of sleep will last only a few short months. Little did we know! And the thought of the neighbors hearing your comments assuming they were directed to your husband is too funny! A sense of humor is certainly something that you have to encourage in those situations or the craziness will consume you!!
I never sleep well when Dave is gone and the constant tiredness wears on me. Looking through Psalms helps me…David was worn down a lot also!
Ps. 3:4-5 “To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill. I lie down and SLEEP; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” I have to remind myself alot that I am sustained in the Lord… Another great verse is Ps. 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall: God will help her at break of day.”
This blog is such a needed space!! I look forward to lots of interaction at the intersection.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Melissa, THANK YOU for your words of wisdom! The word of God is not just empty words on a page. Although my husband doesn’t travel and my kids are older, many times I have been robbed of a peaceful night’s sleep by fear and worry. I lie there, watching the minutes tick off the clock while I mentally go through the details of every trying and uncertain situation. The heaviness of these things can choke the very life out of me and keep me from the peace my Father desires to pour into my life. Psalm 3:4-5 might just be a good verse to memorize and have in my arsenal for those crazy nights.
Anyone else have a favorite verse that comes to the rescue during trying times?
September 26th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Krista,
I can identify so easily with your story. In fact, I had one of those nights last night. I was up five times during the night, not with a baby but with a four year old. He is sick and truthfully I would take the sickness in his place if I could. But I always wonder when I’m up those sleepless nights, how does my husband sleep so soundly through it all? Then in the morning I find myself very tired and with very little patience with my boys. My yelling moment comes in the hustle to get ready for school. I’m receiving no cooperation from my boys and then in a moment of weakness I YELL and YELL and do you know what they do?, they laugh at me. When did this happen? I’m no longer intimidating to them, I’m funny? So I managed to hold it in for a brief moment but then I succumb to the laughter too. The good thing to come out of this was of course the laughter at myself and the opportunity God gave me to ask forgiveness from my boys for the words I said and how I said them. It was a teaching moment for both them and me.
September 27th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I have a verse and a song that help me through trying and tough times.
The Song = Voice of Truth
The Verse = 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.”