Stress

There’s always the chance that my lack of sleep is related to stress. I don’t really see how, though. There isn’t much that’s shockingly different about this month as opposed to other recent months. I’m not worried about jobs or hubby or money (for once). I doubt if I’m losing sleep over the upcoming renovation, though I finally placed the order for the kitchen cabinetry a few days ago. Even the farm hasn’t been all that stressful. Five of our fifteen cows have calved thus far. The first had twins and we lost them both. Twins are unusual in cows and so losing them isn’t a huge shock. The other four calves are strong and healthy and running through the snow, their little tails flying high like flags.

Is there anything stressful in my life? Only if you consider the upcoming contest that I’ve been preparing Marks of Repentance for. While the first 25 pages certainly still need some work, they’re not due any day soon and I still love the story, so I don’t really see the contest as a huge stressor. However, if stress is the problem, then this is about the only thing that could be causing it.

Shrug.

So I found it interesting to read these verses from The Message, a contemporary English version of the Bible:

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. (Romans 12)

“Here you go, God. Have my sleep (or lack of it). Have all of my ordinary life. What you do for me is better than anything I can do for you. So be it.”