This is the baby that never naps, he just goes on and on my friend…

Sleep when the baby sleeps…BAHAHAHA. Oh. You were serious?

Keep him on a schedule…snort, giggle. You weren’t joking?

It’s safe to say that my little one is absolutely not a fan of sleeping no matter how hard I try to convince him. I promised him snuggly swaddles and rocking chair rides, sweet music or even a steady white noise. Nope. He ain’t got time for that. There’s just too much to see and do. There was a time period where he would take car seat naps, but unfortunately my big little guy no longer is swayed but the snugglies of the car seat.

Daily we go to battle. Its baby versus exhaustion and at some point, exhaustion wins. However, the journey to such a desired victory leaves behind sweat, tears, and pounding headaches.

I have adopted the CIO method or crying it out. As much as I hate hearing my baby cry, that kiddo NEEDS to fall asleep and involving more interaction then necessary distracts him. I’ve learned that he is quite the social butterfly and loves being the life of any party, even at nighttime.

I wish I could say that I found the magic solution on how to get your feisty infant to fall asleep. Unfortunately, I do not. After my baby has been changed, fed, rocked, and pacified and still screams, I  have to walk away. This has taught me more about leaning on the Lord for my strength.

Psalm 46:10 states “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Be still?!? If anyone knows me well enough they I have a hard time being still.  But that isn’t what God is necessarily saying. After meditating on this verse, it was revealed to me the importance of our minds to be still, our thoughts. In all of the anxiety producing baby angst, Be still. Amongst the tearful tantrums, “Be still and know that I am God!” Yes parenthood is a perpetual roller coaster sleep deprivation, elation, adrenaline, and joy. In all of that, we need to know that God is God and He’s got our backs! Our strength comes from Him.

How do you ask? The transformation may not be as instantaneous as that of the one Popeye the Sailorman undergoes with spinach, but it’s a transformation none the less. When my baby is crying and I feel like this is an unending moment of torture, I stop and remember be still, and know that He is God. Believe in His love for you. You are not alone. Peace from the Holy Spirit surrounds me when I surrender my exhausted self over to Christ. I would not say this particularly works like a strong cup of coffee, but my thoughts are refreshed and I am able to think more clearly.

Instead of becoming lost in the dark cycle of anxiety and loneliness, I take that opportunity of my weakness to let the Lord work within me. Do I always remember to do this? No. Sometimes I go cray and forget to calm down and be still. But God never forgets about us, even in our moments of self-doubt. This my friends is the only way I am able to get through the day most days. So be encouraged my mom friends of babies who choose not to snooze. God is with you, lean into Him, “Be still and know that I am God.”