Our grandsons, two-year old Caleb and two-month old Nathan stayed with us while Steven and Jenesa enjoyed a four day anniversary trip. Caleb is an old hand at staying with Grandma and Grandpa. He knows where I keep the toys, the step stool in the bathroom, his toothbrush, where his blanket is in his room and exactly how many books I allow in bed with him. Nathan has never been away from his mom more than 2 or 3 hours at a time; secretly, I was very nervous. If you think 2-year olds are unpredictable, try an infant!
The first few hours passed without incident and bedtime arrived. Grandpa spent some alone time with Nathan while Caleb splashed in the tub under Grandma’s watchful eye. Clean “jammies”, video, snack, 3 books, prayers, blanket, noise machine, lights out, one down!! Now the adventure begins. Around 10:00, Nathan sucked down his last bottle, his little eyes were heavy with sleep and his little body so warm against me; this is Heaven!!! How long will it last? Last diaper changed, snuggly wrapped like a little mummy in his swaddler, I carried him up the stairs. Just like mommy said, I laid him on his wedge, securely tucked a blanket around his legs, turned on the air purifier for background noise, turned off the light and most importantly, TURNED ON THE BABY MONITOR!!!!
I took a quick bath, brushed my teeth and checked both boys one last time; sleeping like little angels. Sinking down into my pillow, I realized how exhausted I was. I don’t remember being this tired 30 years ago when my 2 boys were this age. Turning over, my eyes flew open; the clock read 3:30. The monitor must NOT be working. I knew not to trust these electronic devises, I hadn’t heard a sound. What if he had scooted under the blanket, what if he had stopped breathing, what if he was lying there awake not making a sound, what if, what if, what if? Jumping out of bed, I hurried into his room, he was lying there sound asleep, I touched his warm little cheek just to make sure he was still breathing and slowly backed out of the room. The rest of the night was spent in fitful sleep as I listen to the monitor broadcast nothing but a rush of air.
How many times have I followed the rules, made all the right preparations, prayed about a situation, then plugged in the “God Monitor” and waited? God, I’ve been waiting a whole day, now it’s been a week or two and I’ll I hear is a rush of empty air. God, this monitor isn’t working, I’d better check on things; are you still breathing, do you hear me? Maybe I’ll just lie here awake and worry or better yet, figure it out for myself!!! All the while, God is saying, “IF YOU DON’T TRUST THE MONITOR, UNPLUG IT!!!!
My history with the baby monitor, tells me it can be trusted. It has been used with three other grandchildren and worked every time. I used it for nap time just this morning and heard every cry, so why do I doubt that it will function at night? My history with God tells me He can be trusted! I have placed other situations in His hands and He has come through every time. Just this morning I talked with Him and I felt His presence in the room, so why do I doubt that He knows exactly what to do in the dark hours. God, I think I’ll stay plugged in and trust that your voice will come through when I need to hear it and it will be just the right time.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
