Sleep

Bedtime has always been tricky with my little

man Ian. He has always snuck into the bed

of a willing sister or under cover of darkness

has crawled under my covers while I am

completely exhausted and too tired to care.

As he slumbers he holds his blanket in one hand,

sucks on his tongue (like he's nursing) and keeps

his other hand or foot touching me or hubby.

We have struggled with how to keep him in bed

for years now. I've considered a lock on his door

or an alarm. I am sure this will end at some point.

He is almost 5 and is getting too big for bed

sharing. A few nights ago I prayed with him in

his bed. I was praying aloud while he listened and

I was asking Jesus to help him feel safe in his room,

to give him a restful night, and so on. I said to Ian,

"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be

still." Referencing a verse in Exodus that I love.

I was thinking he would be comforted by this as he

claims he is fearful in his room and I was trying to

assure him that Jesus was there with him.

Kids are so literal. Ian froze at that moment and held

himself in a frozen position. He truly thought that I

meant he had to be physically still. It was so funny.

The bedtime battle will probably go on no matter

what we try. Night lights, hall lights, flash lights and

even Jesus (the light of the world) are all on board.

I just need to remember to be still.