The next time you lay unsleeping,
    staring at the dark ceiling,
thank God for your wakefulness.

Ask–
    aloud or to yourself–
"What gift do you have for me?"

Fall back into silence
    and await the answer.

In darkness, in silence, in solitude,
    divine mystery spreads over and around you,
blankets you with quiet holiness.

Breathe into it–
    your breath, God's breath-
Rûaħ , spirit, breath.

Sleeplessness is an opportunity,
    an invitation–
treasure, discovery, hope.

Stars above,
    the Shepherd lifts you,
drapes you over his shoulders,
    walks with you through dark, still meadows.

This rich emptiness–
    late-night heaven–
yours.

Text and image © 2021 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.
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