Joy Challenge #10: Take a nap
My 4-year-old daughter no longer takes naps. To be honest, she was never a great sleeper so it actually became a bit of a blessing when she gave up afternoon naps and sleeps through the night. It astounds me that she would fight against something so wonderful. A nap! To be forced to spend an hour quietly snuggled in bed without a care in the world!
When you were growing up and you were struggling to work through something – maybe a problem with friends or something deeply emotional – and your mom encouraged you to sleep on it? When we’re tired, overwhelmed, and running on empty, the little things feel like really big important things. Everything feels urgent, and personal, and emotional.
If you’re scrolling through social media or checking your email today and something feels off balance, consider whether or not you need a nap. No. Really. Are you tired? Worn out? You need rest. Whether it’s 20 minutes or 2 hours, take time to rest your body and your heart today. Lay all those burdens and big emotions at the foot of the cross and trust that God will take care of them. When we’re well rested we’re better able to run the race God has set before us – and it’s easier for us to encourage others with joy, and not jealousy.
Questions:
- When was the last time you took a nap?
- How does exhaustion impact your emotions?
- What burdens do you need to lay down before you lay down today?