I remember seeing on television a British man
visiting and learning about a tribe on a southern hemisphere island. As he
stayed with these people he found their inability to sleep at night more
and more distressing as he became increasingly tired. They were constantly
listening for danger sounds in the jungle from animals and other
potentially dangerous tribes. The following verse of scripture came to
mind: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make
me dwell in safety.” Psalm ch4 v8 We can trust the Lord to keep us safe
while we sleep. We have an inner quietness because we are in the Lord’s
care. This chapter goes with the one before. Psalm 3 verse 5 reminds that
we wake in the morning because God has kept us safe.
How many people in this country can’t sleep at night for worries seen
and unseen? How many suffer loss of sleep from pain? We must put our trust
in the Lord, as our verse reminds us that we can, and trust that God,
through His Holy Spirit, can give us the peace and rest that we need in
all circumstances.
we should make our bedrooms restful and
pleasant places to be.
There are some other things which may keep us
awake. Sleep experts tell us that we should make our bedrooms restful and
pleasant places to be. Is your bedroom a pleasant and restful place? Many
people use their bedrooms as junk spaces because it is somewhere that for
most of the time it is not in the way. Sleep is important and below are
some ideas to help sort out your stuff to do one part in giving yourself
the best chance of a good night's sleep. All other hindrances to sleep you
need to lay at the cross!
Making your room ready for rest
Start at the top and work down as a general rule.
Dust ceilings and plaster work of dust and webs. Don’t wash
plaster as it makes it look worse.
Clean any light coverings. It is usually easiest to take the light
shade down to clean it.
Clean windows, curtains and carpets. A short sentence but 3 big
jobs!
Tackle any pictures on the walls. If you
haven’t got any, would getting some make your room more pleasant?
They don’t necessarily need to be framed or expensive. A pretty card
displayed where you can see it looks good too. If you have some framed
pictures on the wall take them down to clean them where possible.
Clean the front and back. Carved frames can be dusted with a paint
brush to get into those detailed bits. Clean any glass covering
pictures and mirrors. Wipe the wall where they were as dirt collects
by, and behind, frames. Replace the pictures.
Clean and refresh your bed. Strip the bed and lift the mattress to
air it if possible. Vacuum both sides. Depending on what your bed
frame is made from clean it as appropriate—vacuuming, wiping—don’t
forget the corners. Lay the mattress down again turned over. Wash all
under blankets valences etc. as well as the covering bed clothes.
Sheets and blankets wash as hot as the manufacturers instructions
allow. Treat any stains. Mend any unsewn edges, replace elastic in
fitted sheets where it may have gone. Starch and whiten where
appropriate if you like. Don’t forget duvets and pillows. Synthetic
fillings can be washed in your machine if it has a large enough
capacity or take it to the laundrette or dry cleaners. Other fillings
should be treated only as the instructions dictate.
Make it
pleasant to use and look nice.
Wardrobe bursting open? Sort through your
wardrobe. Make a pile for the charity shop and for mending. Dust the
hangers and wardrobe sides; don’t forget to clean or vacuum the
bottom before replacing what you are keeping and have mended. If you
have a free-standing wardrobe and it can be moved when empty, vacuum
beneath and behind it. Dust the walls as dust clings there too. Clean
the top before considering what (if anything) you are going to put
there. I bet there was something! Try to make it look nice. Suitcases
could be covered with pretty material. Plastic storage boxes can be
made to look nice if you wish. See-through plastic boxes can have
their contents hidden by placing pretty wrapping paper on the inside
sides facing out. Can other things be put in boxes? Cover where
appropriate with white material (to match a white ceiling) and place
an ornament or vase towards the corner if you have one. Make it
pleasant to use and look nice.
Don't forget that chest of drawers. Give it
the same treatment. Though try to keep the top clear apart from any
decoration; you know what I mean, a pretty ornament, a vase of flowers
- a stack of papers or pile of washing are not what I mean by pretty!
Dressing tables—clear that clutter! If
you wear make up throw away any old stuff as it does go off! Wash hair
brushes and combs. Sort out all the other bits and bobs you keep
there. Is any jewellery you have being looked after?
If your room has to double up as an office,
baby room, sewing room etc. clear and tidy that stuff too. These
things are probably the most important as they contribute most to your
bedroom not being a place for restful sleep as they are very
distracting from winding down.
You didn’t collect all that stuff in
a day so don’t expect to clear it all in a day either.
After all that cleaning and tidying you will be
in need of a good night’s sleep. You didn’t collect all that stuff in
a day so don’t expect to clear it all in a day either. If you have got
loads of stuff to sort through may I refer you to the article “Clogged
Up” in the Owning Stuff section.
