Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Sleepless Night, Holy Night

“Myron, you need fi go to you bed!”

 My mother’s angry words rang painfully in my mind as I rolled around miserably in my sleeping bag. She had spent half the summer barking the sentence at me while I was at home, and as I now jealously listened to the sound of my soon-to-be co-workers snoring away happily, I cursed my nightly decision to ignore her.

The moment I got home from college, sleep became a matter of opinion. Since it was no longer necessary to sleep in order to restore my brain for the following day’s classes, being totally inactive for seven to eight hours seemed like a complete waste of time. Despite my mother’s persistent objection, I spent the extra time reading, writing, and watching television. Soon enough, a majority of my schedule revolved around the night hours, and with all the things I was doing, I thought very little of the consequences.

I groaned as I wearily squinted at the time on my phone. It was almost four a.m. I knew that I had to be up at seven for the first day of my training as a kitchen aide at Camp Victory Lake, a summer camp that I was working at for the second year, and I wanted to be well rested so that I could learn to perform my duties to the best of my ability.

Letting out a silent sigh, I sunk deeper into my sleeping bag, closed my eyes, and decided to give sleep one last try. Half an hour later, I realized that it was a lost cause. All hopes of a good night’s rest lost, I solemnly trudged out of the dormitory.

“God, please help me,” I breathed into the cool night air as I rubbed my eyes. “I need you.”

All of a sudden, I was hit by the strangest urge to look up. I lifted my gaze to the heavens and was immediately mesmerized by the brightest star that I had ever seen. Mouth ajar, I took a step back to admire the night sky. Encamped around the bright star was a vast army of less luminous but equally magnificent stars.

“I’m here,” God said to me as I stood in awe at His masterpiece. I wanted to say something – to whisper a thanks or sing a praise – but I couldn’t find the words. I had totally forgotten how beautiful the sky was away from the city.

Before I had time to fully contemplate God’s grandeur, something amazing caught my eye. Bubbling with excitement, I raced back into my room, threw on a hoodie and some jeans, and trekked halfway across the camp to catch a glimpse of the wondrous sight.

Coming from the east was a wide array of colors that preceded the sun. I grabbed a chair, planted it in the perfect spot, and watched the magical blend of fiery reds, bold oranges, and soft yellows grow closer and closer, slowly lighting the sky from a deep-shaded purple to its usual joyful blue.

Amazed by the work of His hands and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I cleared my mind and reconnected with God. I apologized for neglecting Him during summer vacation, and He showed me how miserable I had been without Him. I told Him about my struggles, and He showed me how He could help me overcome them. I thanked Him for allowing me to spend time with Him, and He told me that that was the reason He hadn’t allowed me to sleep.

Eyelids growing heavy, I sunk into my hoodie and reverently sang praises to God until, one by one, the stars disappeared, swallowed whole by the oncoming daylight. Then, surrounded by nature’s beauty, I fell into sweet, sweet sleep.