Among the loveliest gifts in life is a good night’s sleep. by proper rest. Our patience supply is increased when we have slept well. Unfortunately, those same problems may be sleep interrupters, sometimes it is difficult to fall asleep. I am told that people sleep better with a set bedtime routine. Life, however, seems intent on destroying our well planned routine. A late night phone call emergency can change everything. Even pleasant things can damage our sleep schedule. That second cup of coffee or third glass of iced tea can caffeinate our sleep. Some read to fall asleep, but for me, the material must be at the level of tax schedules to not make my mind wake up. Small pains that can be ignored during the day seem intensified when we try to fall asleep. Even a nagging conscience can make sleep difficult. What can we do? I suppose we could count sheep, but that could result in “wolly” thinking. Most of the time we just try to endure until the first light of morning. We may be better off accepting that this will be a difficult night. Doubtless tomorrow will be better. We can redeem the time by simply resting or doing some simple tasks. It can be a good time to pray and focus our concerns beyond our own sleeplessness. Usually the sleepless nights do not last for a long time. Soon the good gift of a night’s sleep returns. I think to myself “Thanks be to God for this night’s blessing as I drift off into blissful sleep.