Aaaaah.  Bedtime.

Toss. 

Turn.

Pull covers over head.

Lie still.

Still lying still.

Don’t look at the clock.  DON’T look at the clock.

Cough.

Can’t breathe.

Rearrange covers for better air ventilation. 

Throw off down comforter.

Get up.

Turn off humidifier. 

Don’t look at the clock in passing.

Get back into bed.

Rearrange curled-up felines.

Cough some more. 

Felines vacate.

Think.

Think anxiously.

Obsess.

Make mental anxiety checklist.

Career, relationships needing repair, singleness, financial security, a friend near death, personal safety …

Don’t look at the clock.

Philippians 4:6.

“Be anxious for nothing …”

Now, what’s the rest of it.

Right.  “But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Dear Lord, please help me go to sleep.

Help me not to be anxious.

Cough again.

Please turn my mind off. 

Why am I so fearful about so many things?

Why do I worry about things beyond my control?

What can I do about anything at this time of night?

Or ever?

Don’t look at the clock. 

Please help me overcome my anxiety at all times. 

3:12 a.m.  WHY did you look at the clock???  You’ll never fall asleep now!!!

May I cast all of my cares on You.

For I know You care for me.

Even at 3:12 a.m.

Help me to remember that.

And may I remember to take my Tylenol PM later tonight.

Right after my Sleepytime Herbal Tea.

Amen.