I'm a sucker for music of another era, specifically 1929-1954, the era of the Big Band in American Pop music.  Now THAT was music to dance to.  Jitterbug, anyone?  Someday in heaven I hope I'll be able to cut the rug like some of the best.  Go ahead--I dare you to sit still listening to an upbeat swing tune by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, or Tommy Dorsey. 

One song in particular from that era is from Irving Berlin, and Bing Crosby sang it in the movie "White Christmas."

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

What a great Rx for insomnia.  Contrast that with a song from Wayne Watson from the late '80s, which said

My temple is built on wood and of stone
Each space is filled with the things that I own
Idols and gods that call me to bow
I try to be free but there's no freedom now...No freedom now
The ones I hold dear--Those most precious to me
Some days I set them afloat on an indifferent sea
And these things in first place--They're worth nothing at all
At night in my dreams graven images call

And my gods won't let me sleep
And what a man sows that he will reap
I toss and turn at night
I've got places to go, got battles to fight
And my gods won't let me sleep...tonight

Can you relate?  When I make my car, my house, my job, my stuff to be my god, I lie awake at night worrying about how to protect it or how to maintain it.  My gods keep me up at night. 

But when I turn to the One True Living God, I can crash without worries.  Yep, the rest God gives usually leaves me in a comatose state with drool on my face, I'm so relaxed.  Psalm 4:7-8 says "You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." 

So give thanks today.  I'm thankful for my Savior, my wife & daughters, and about a billion other things.  I've got plenty of grain and new wine.  But the joy of knowing Jesus gives me peace and rest like no other.  (Yawn)  . . . I'm already getting sleepy . . . time to go count my many, many blessings . . .