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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: NOISE (05/03/18)
What was that? I sit up in bed. Oh, just the wind. Why does the house seem alive in the dark? My ears ring with the sound of silence, and I listen intently trying to locate the source of the racket. I lay back down.

It was the wind, right? Did I lock the door? No way will I sleep until I check. Slipping into my robe, I start down the stairs.

What is that bumping noise? Flicking on all the lights as I move through each downstairs room, I feel like someone looking for monsters under the beds so children can sleep. Just as I approach the sliding glass door, I hear it again. Knowing I have to open the blinds but afraid of what I will see, I timidly reach for the switch. I look out in time to see one of the chairs sliding across the floor, banging into the table.

Mystery solved. Chairs stacked together to prevent further traveling violations. I lay back down.

House secured – check. Check? Did I pay the bills? Note to self, look tomorrow. Tomorrow? The painters are due at 8. I need to get some rest. Wait, that’s next week. Whew. Sleep, I must sleep.

Then close your eyes girlfriend.

I’m arguing with myself, in my head. It’s deafening. Trying to rest, I close my eyes. A movie plays on my eyelids. I watch us, an audience of one, as my husband waltzes me along a moonbeam. He turns to me, ‘Get up!’

I startle awake, bolt upright. Was I sleeping? Was it my imagination? Is this all in my head?

Well, those are silly questions, of course, it’s in my head. I laugh as I grab a tissue to dry my eyes. I speak aloud to break up the static, ‘Now you’re talking to yourself. Asking questions and answering them. You’ve got to get out more.’


Lord, Thank You for provision. Thank You for protection. Thank You for the promise in Proverbs, You establish the boundary of the widow. You draw near the brokenhearted, and I know You are with me now. You promised You would never leave or forsake me. I hold onto Your presence and Your promises. Thank You for the years You shared him with me, for the memories of love and life. In the year following Your call to bring him home, You gave me Joshua 1:9 as my verse for this season. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I ask You now Father; please give me courage. Please take away the fear and help me to sleep. I’m so tired and weary. I am coming to You for the rest You promise us in Matthew. I love You Jesus and, in Your name, I lay this at Your feet. Peaceful slumber and refreshed awakenings are all I ask.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Thank You, Lord, for bringing that to remembrance. Talk to You tomorrow. Amen.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Leola Ogle
05/10/18
I resonated with this as someone who struggles to sleep at night. I often quote the scripture you used in Psalms. God bless.
Nola Lorraine Passmore
05/11/18
I could relate to that, as I often have a million ideas buzzing in my head. I liked the unexpected shift halfway through. I thought it was all going to be about having trouble sleeping, but then you added the poignant note about being a widow alone at night. Very moving. Well done.
C D Swanson 
05/11/18
Excellent piece, right on topic, along with an important message.

Blessings~