Your Update (pt 2)
What keeps you up at night?
Or, if you wake in the middle of the night, what comes to mind?
Our Experience
I never have a hard time falling asleep and I do not usually wake in the night worrying about something. I do have vivid dreams almost every night that usually include some kind of stress. For instance, a few weeks ago I dreamed that I was at a nice hotel on a Saturday where four weddings were going to take place. I was supposed to officiate one of the weddings but I did not know which one. I did not know the couple or the family, so I did not even know how to find out which one was expecting me. Yikes!
If you are familiar with Enneagram typing, you will understand that as a ‘7,’ I naturally avoid suffering and stress by pursuing fun and mental stimulation. This became evident to me years ago when it was obvious that my therapist experienced my life more deeply than I did.
“Oh, you hit a bike rider and have given up your driving license,” she agonized.
‘Yeah, but he wasn’t hurt,” I replied matter-of-factly.
All that to say that I am usually clueless about what is worrying me unless I intentionally pause and make a list.
Or unless Libby tells me.
Both Libby and I journal, not as a discipline, but as a necessity. She uses a notebook and I use a Word doc. She knows that I do not have the courage to ever read her journal (or the eyesight), so she is safe to process anything on her mind.
We have been parents for over fifty years and grandparents for over twenty-two years. So our worries always start with theirs. Some will be big worries and some will be small ones, depending on the pain and challenge.
Libby is a ‘2’ (Helper) on the Enneagram so she will tend to worry about a ton of people, starting with whoever spoke to her last. She will be figuring out what she could do to help them.
Other things we are inclined to worry about include:
Any big responsibilities coming up.
A conflict or misunderstanding in a relationship.
Health concerns, aches and pains.
Friends who are terminal or ill.
The state of the world and our country.
One of the best things about aging is realizing how few things you control.
And certainly, the best thing about faith is knowing that the Maker of heaven and earth cares for you as a dearly loved child. And that through Christ he has rescued you for a life of love, joy and peace. That faith does not cause me to ignore or deny my worries, but face them.
One of my favorite bible verses is a bold one.
In peace I will like down and sleep, because you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
What is worrying you?
