I am pooped out and crabby and everyone knows it. Most of the time, I can handle being tired (for a little while). I can work an extra-long shift, exhausted after only a nap, and even work hungry while gulping down mouthfuls of ice cubes when a break is nowhere in sight. But when I am much too sleep-deprived, I don’t seem to have much control over my reaction when that unexpected, “didn’t see that coming” kind of “slap in the face” moment happens. That always seems to happen at exactly the time when I am approaching the summit of my tolerance level – that same summit that I don’t know is anywhere near until I have reached it!
Over the past few days, I’ve grumbled and complained about how exhausted I am, probably much to my friends’ very own “heard enough” summits.
First, I used my exhaustion to justify my grumbling. Then, I “tried harder” to keep my mouth shut and not react to confrontational patients with curt words. Then I began reading scriptures about Jesus being tempted when He was exhausted and hungry………. (I cannot expect to have His strength and patience!)
Finally, I began to worry that He was angry with me for grumbling….. So I had to repent!
But God…………..
He had answers for me, as He always does for those who seek Him. And these are so very worth sharing because I am sure someone else needs them as well.
- How much God loves me (and you) is NOT dependent on anything we do or do not do. God’s love for His children is based on what His SON Jesus did! PRAISE GOD for THAT, because I fail Him every single day. In fact, if God’s love for us was dependent on our performance, we’d all be doomed…. Every last one of us. (Galatians 3:2-3, says, “Let me ask you only this: did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”)
- Quit your belly aching. (Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”)
- Go to bed. Get some rest. (Proverbs 3:24 says, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”)
Oh, thank God He does not expect me to try “performing” better next time. He simply wants me to get some rest.
And with that being said………… GOODNIGHT! Sweet dreams……..
And I bet you think about tbings that are lovely, pure, excellent, praise worthy….. Love you Edna!
Rita,
When I “absolutely” do not KNOW what to do with myself, it is to that arena of sleep I return. My hope is that upon wakefulness, I might be rested, refreshed and there would be a “new” resolve in my spirit.