In honor of Thanksgiving, I was reflecting on the many things I am thankful for, and one that may seem silly but continued to come to mind was my bedroom. Perhaps, it has something to do with the time change, the cold, and the early darkness, but I find myself eager to retreat to my room each night—much earlier than I should like to admit. It is not necessarily the sleep that I look most forward to, but all the things that come with the nighttime routine. I love washing my face, brushing my teeth, and putting on clean, comfy PJs—preparing to enter a time of rest after a full day. I love settling in to read my Bible, as I lay against stacked pillows, under warm blankets, with the soft light of the lamp by my side. I enjoy the moments when my older kids, who aren’t ready to go to bed yet, come in with a desire to talk and share their stories from the day. I look forward to the nights when Luke is home, and our room provides the occasional space for undistracted conversation. Although not quite as peaceful, I cherish the nights when he is at work and a couple of the kids squeeze in next to me to sleep. I love the three signs that hang in my room. The one to my left--an abstract picture of the mountains with the reminder from Psalm 121 that I need only look up to the Lord to find my help in time of need. The one in front of me—quoting 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and reminding me not only of how I should love others but also of the beauty of how the Lord loves me. And, lastly, the one to my right, which was made by a dear friend with the pages of an old hymnal. The words “Bind My Wandering Heart to Thee” are printed along the side. They reference the lyrics to the hymn “Come Though Fount of Every Blessing” and encourage me in the truth that my greatest joy is found in abiding in Jesus.
Now, although I said earlier that it wasn’t necessarily the sleep that I looked forward to most, that is indeed part of it. When I enter bed feeling poured out, tired, or just ready for a new day, I am so thankful for the Lord’s promises that he “gives rest to the weary and heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). Indeed, His steadfast love never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
As you reflect on the things you are thankful for this season, is there a particular space you find yourself thankful for? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
By Katie Miller
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