August 11, 2010

August 11

Psalm 4

"I will both lie down and sleep in peace."

Earlier this year Tim and I, in stages, switched from our Verizonwireless carrier that we had been with since 1995 to AT&T in order to get iPhones. The iPhones that they were practically giving away since the new iPhones were around the corner. I like my new phone. Since we have Mac computers, the iPhone interfaces with the computer and has the same "logic." And I am learning about the world of Apps or applications.

I found an app for locating museums wherever I am in the country. I found a good Spanish-English dictionary. I have of course my games and the Weather Channel. But most of my apps Tim has suggested. The newest one is called Sleep Cycle. It's big feature is that you put the plugged in phone face down between your mattress and sheet near the top of the bed (not under the pillow) and it monitors your sleep cycle based on movements. Very interesting. It appears - at least with this less than perfect technology - I don't spend a whole lot of time in deep sleep on a given night.

Now it may be picking up my twitchy restless leg syndrome movements even after dosing with medicine. But it looks like I spend large chunks of my night barely asleep - not even in dream mode. No wonder I'm tired!

What is on my mind? Why does my body not relax fully at night? What I am not handing over to God so that I can rest? Why did I stay up and watch one more X-Files episode on Netflix? Whatever the reasons for my sleep patterns, I know a couple of things for sure: a.)God wants us to rest and be well. b.)more prayer and calm before sleep (instead of X-Files) is better for body, mind, and spirit. c.) We need to be reflective about our lives, our days and know when we need to hand things over to God. "When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent." Let God take care of it.

Caring Lord, you provide for all our days. You provide out of your abundance for the care of our bodies, minds, and spirits. You also expect us to be active participants in the care of ourselves and others. We are part of your good creation and for no other reason than that need rest, love, care. Help us to sort out the things we can change and the things we cannot. Help us to hand over to you that which is too heavy to carry. Help us to trust you enough to care for us so that we may slumber deeply and peacefully, safely in your loving care. Amen

--Maggie Sebastian