Accepting Peace in Hard Times

Awake at 2 a.m.? Brain on overdrive, reliving every conversation from the day, each one bringing a fresh wave of emotion that makes sleep impossible? We have all been there. Wide awake as time ticks by, still sleepy but now with just enough energy to start feeling stressed again. I can spend hours staring at the ceiling as the time slips away. When that happens, it's the worst. I will usually reach for the Kindle first, then Audible, and eventually music. A few nights ago, this was me; nothing seemed to settle the stress inside. Eventually giving up, I unplugged. With a long sigh, I turned to see my spouse inches away, sleeping her best sleep ever, seemingly enjoying it too.

This is the moment a second reality sets in: solitude.