More and more in recent weeks, the amount of sleep I get at night has been determined in large part by the whims of my oldest daughter; nights where she sleeps soundly in her own room mean I'll be out for a while, but on nights where she wants to come in our room or have one of us (usually me) tuck her in several times during the night means I'm not getting many z's. Today, I thought I would try and catch up on some missed sleep by catching an afternoon nap, but MB decided to use that time to ask me repeatedly to get her juice or watch her while she played with her new Little Mermaid doll.
Naturally, I got frustrated and said something to the effect of, "I can't sleep at night because of her, and now I can't even sleep during the day because of her" as I was pounding down the stairs to get the juice box prepared for her. My wife heard me, and later on walked up to me, hugged me, and said, "Don't worry -- you're a good father."
I've been thinking about that all afternoon; I really do try to be a good father, but -- as with many things in life -- it gets frustrating at times. Then, I thought about God: how many times has He been awake at night because of our whims? How many times have we wanted something to drink and have asked Him for it repeatedly until we get it? How many times has He tucked us in at night or been patient with us as we try to decide where we're going to sleep/what we're going to do next? How frustrating can we be/are we to Him every day? Even after all of that, He is still a good father to us.
Life really is a series of parables, and perhaps we should all take a bit of time to find the meaning, message, and purpose of these parables.
11 comments:
The ability to see the divine story playing out in everyday life is a great gift to have. Sharing what you learn with others is even more noble.
I am terrible if I can't sleep - so grumpy!
yes you are right that God always is there for us day and night, He watches over us and loves us no matter what.
Children can be somewhat challenging, I bet when they're teenagers we''ll have trouble getting them out of bed!
Have a good week and thanks for your encouraging comment on my blog,
God Bless,
Helen.
Like Dan I think that our little story is a reflection of the larger story. Life events can be great object lessons but we still need our sleep :)
Sleep deprivation makes us grumpy and a host of other ill-feelings.
You have a loving wife. You're lucky. Others will have a shouting
match with that reaction you have. She's so cool and I think that
was the correct reaction. There, you had a hug and an understanding, loving wife.
Keep your cool. That's part of parenting. :)
Cheers,
ipanema
I agree with your wife...you're a good dad. I remember those times so well from when my children were young. I'd be up with one or the other several times a night, and then couldn't get a nap in during the day. I was falling down tired so many days.
I love how you tied it to God's oversight of us.
It's obvious you are great parents...sleep deprived, but I think the first 18 years are the hardest! ;-)
Hang in there...nap when you can! I learned to sleep at the weirdest times!
Good dad/ mom is an understatement here NOVA dad
nova:a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
Profound post. I hope you can get a good nap soon!
Susan
First of all, thank you for letting me know that I'm not the only parent of a sleep-challenged three-year-old! I feel your pain.
It's funny - I was thinking about this very thing the other day - how God understands being a parent more than we can even imagine. When I get frustrated with my son, I think to myself how frustrating I have been to God throughout my life and how he still loves me in spite of that. It always helps me regroup and remember how much I love my little guy.
Well, there is a lot that I could say about sleepless nights, and the frustrating times watching you grow, but I won't bore you with that. Instead, here's a little verse from the Sanskrit entitled "The Salutation of the Dawn" -
"Listen to the exhortation of the Dawn!
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief Course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence:
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream
And Tomorrow is only a Vision;
But Today well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salvation of the Dawn!"
Live well today, and enjoy the time with your family - they are too soon gone - make your days count towards your dreams of happiness and visions of hope.
Oh, and you ARE a great Dad! And A is such a great Mom!! Your girls are most fortunate!
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