by 
Wednesday, December 21
The Child, the Child, sleeping through the night, He will bring us goodness and light.
From Do You Hear What I Hear?
By Tori G.
A child sleeping through the night is every new mother’s dream, but I’m fairly certain Mary is the only mom in history whose newborn actually did. The rest of us muddle through for weeks or months, popping up with every nocturnal whimper and sleepwalking through the days. I’ve experienced this dog-tiredness three times now, and while it’s for a good cause—the best, really—it’s far from easy.
But here’s the thing. Now that my youngest is sleeping through the night, there’s a small part of me that misses those middle-of-thenight feedings. At times, it was almost physically painful to swim up from the depths of blissful sleep, try to shake off the bleariness and nurse my babies. But I’ve also never felt anything like the utter joy of nourishing my child in the peaceful still of the night, gaze to gaze, connecting on a soul level.
It’s a reminder that even in the most difficult times, God is always good. It may seem impossible, but there’s always something for which we can give Him praise and, yes, something we’ll miss once the trying days have passed. Consider how this has been true in your life. In hindsight, can you appreciate the hours of bedside conversation or hand-holding you were blessed to experience during a loved one’s illness? Have you ever longed to relive the early days of your marriage, when money was as tight as your bond?
In the midst of pain, there is a plan. Wherever you are in your life right now—whether it’s a joyous time or an undeniable rough patch—what can you give thanks for right this very minute? Choosing to recognize hidden blessings creates light in the darkness and allows you to look back in gratitude rather than with regrets of “Had I known then . . .”
Prayer: Dear God, help us appreciate the abundant blessings of each moment. Use all of our experiences to guide us toward the ultimate goal: Your eternal presence. Amen.
