Lost Hours

And if tonight my soul may find her peace

in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,

and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower

then I have been dipped again in God, an new-created.

~ D. H. Lawrence

Last night, I waited patiently for sleep to arrive.  I cleared my head of monkey chatter, recalled the many reasons for a thankful and grateful heart, and ran down my mental list of those needing to be covered in love, energy and light.  I held my body in the just right position, breathing the rhythm of sleep, and waiting to be transported to a lofty time of dreams.  It did not come.

Sleep remained elusive for more than an hour.  Usually the culprit is being overly tired, but I was not.  Sometimes stress prevents my pleasant drifting off, but I had already used a meditation relaxing my entire body, twice. 

Creeping out of the bedroom and grabbing my robe, I relocated to the living room couch where my current book was open to welcome me.  As I settled in with my old quilt, I over came the desire to eat ice cream my favorite comfort food.  I noted that I had not had any caffeine, so why was I not asleep?

I read for three hours finishing my book.  I readjusted myself on the couch and wondered which would come first ... sleep or the rising of the sun.  Eventually, I drifted off.

In the wee hours of the morn, I staggered back to my bed and thankfully fell back to sleep.  I awakened hours after my normal time, and found my head to be in a fog.

It is going to be one of those days where I'll wander around too tired to think straight, anxiously awaiting a well deserved nap.  Lost hours just when this life of mine is speeding through time.

I cannot afford lost hours, as I want them all to count!