"When you hear of wars and rumor of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." - Mark 13:7-8

Since Aaron and I bought a new mattress last week I have had night after blissful night of sweet, deep sleep. That is until Aiden's nose incident. I have woken up each night around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. unable to sleep for a good two hours if not more. Usually a bowl of cereal and some time in the word are the only things that can get me back to sleep for an hour or two before I have to get up for the day. After months of practice, I have given up trying to keep my eyes closed, finding a more comfortable position (it doesn't exist), or thinking idly about the sleep I am missing out on. Instead I pray and try my best to hear what ever God might have for me to hear. Last night when I woke, Japan was on my mind. So devastating. And scarily it is not the first, or even worst hit our world has taken, nor will it be the last. With so much disaster, war, disease, and extreme poverty that consumes our world, it is so easy to get overwhelmed. What can I do? I ask more times than I count, safely tucked in the bubble of my own little world, feeling helpless. Almost hopeless. Last night as I read through Mark, I realized something. Whether conscious or not, I think I've been focusing on the wrong question.

We have been warned. We have been commanded to be on guard. The birthing pains are no new thing to be surprised by. But they are still painful. Devastatingly painful. Lord, let us not dull the pains with false hopes, or illusions of security. Keep our eyes set on you, that our lives will speak only of the truthful hope held in your promises alone.