August 26, 2023
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.” ~ Psalm 4:8 NRSV
Our son Seth has told his daughters, Anne-Sophie (9) and Marie-Hélène (6), that Nana will take them camping sometime. He also has talked about the bears that live in the woods around our house. That was counterproductive to say the least, so we pitched a sun-brella in the basement to sleep in. That lasted about one hour before the house noise frightened them.
The week before the girls arrived this year, Anne-Sophie asked me during a phone call if we could tent outside. Thanks to the loan of a pop-up tent from a friend, we gave it a try on a night that didn’t look like rain. The girls helped me set it up on our back deck, bring in pads, blankets, pillows, and solar lights. When bedtime came around, we all crawled in, and I whispered to Rod that I didn’t think they’d last long.
For the first half hour I taught them old camp songs, there were lots of giggles and many assurances that no bugs could get it. A mosquito put on a show on the outside of the window, which assured the insect-averse that all was well. After saying prayers and giving hugs and kisses, we settled down to sleep. Within ten minutes they were sound asleep. Not me. I was surprised by how loud traffic on I-81 was, annoyed by our neighbor’s barking dog, and heard every sound. I was the one who had to get up multiple times to go to the toilet. And I prayed. I prayed for all of the family, for friends, for the church, and for Maui’s fires. I repeated Psalm 4:8 in my mind, and eventually I, too, fell asleep.
Just after sunrise I was awakened by the singing of birds in the tree above us. We’d made it through the night! I couldn’t stop smiling. I glanced to my left, and there was Marie-Hélène, eyes wide open and a huge smile on her face. Then came these amazing words, “Nana, can we do this every night at your house?”
Sleep, God’s peace, smiles, a holy moment. Pure joy! ~ Anne
Good morning smiles!
Wayfinding 