Playing well with others

Over the past week, I've notice that I'm not playing well with others.  My answers are short.  My frustration is easily triggered.  My voice can get loud before I even recognize I'm not speaking normally.  I'd wonder why this is, but I actually already know.  I need to sleep.

Teacher Man and I were sick... and couldn't sleep.  Then our kids were sick... and we couldn't sleep.  Then we traveled for my grandpa's funeral and the kids' didn't sleep well in the hotel... and we couldn't sleep.  So I'm just grouchy.  And I need sleep.  But I'm not the only one.

Caleb has also been especially crabby/disobedient/rude lately so I made the connection.  I wonder how much he really is sleeping.  The answer: not as much as we've thought.  His new big boy bed is next to the window, where he could sit for hours and watch traffic go by on the major road by our house.  And you know what?  That's exactly what he's been doing for the two hours that he's supposed to be napping.  Stinker.

So our home has a few new guidelines.  First of all, this momma is going to bed a LOT earlier.  No more staying up late and catching up on hulu.  No more reading just one more chapter.  I'm giving myself a bedtime, and I'm respecting it so I can have just a bit more grace for others in the morning.  Now, does this mean that it's rigid and if I don't get every minute of sleep I think I need I'll give myself permission to start snapping at people? Nope.  It's simply a guideline for me on our quiet nights at home to discipline myself to rest and give my body a break.

Now about Caleb.  We can't move his bed away from a window because of the closets and windows in his room so...  I put his old crib mattress over the window so he can't even get to the window to look out. Cruel, I know. Since I did this, he's had two great afternoon naps and two amazing days of cheerfulness and obedience (okay, mostly obedience); and if that's cruel, then I don't want to be kind.

If rest is important enough for God to devote one in every seven days to it, then by golly I'm going to give it a try and see if it helps me to find more grace for myself and for those I love the most.

And with that, I'm going to sign off.  Have sweet rest, my friends.