Rest for the Weary

True Confessions.  I did something today that I have never done in my life.

I took two naps.  That’s right, count ’em – two!

Prior to today I have been running at a pace that would make Superman feel slow.  Or more accurately, as my grandmother used to say in her sweet southern drawl, “Honey, you’re moving like a house a’fire.”

But yesterday the work was complete.  So today it was time to rest.

I have another confession. 

I used to feel guilty about resting.  Taking a nap in the middle of the day was something I didn’t want anyone to catch me doing for fear of being labeled “lazy”.  I guess back then I just didn’t fully understand the very real need for rest.

It’s not a luxury.  It’s a necessity.

Now I’m not advocating that we all take our blankies to work, but I am saying that unless we take time to replenish our bodies, our souls will pay the price. 

And so will those around us.

Think about it, the last time you felt sleep deprived how patient were you with your loved ones?

How productive was your work?

How clear was your reasoning?

How wise were your decisions?

If you are like me – and I’m betting that you are – you were probably one irritation away from a complete meltdown. 

Over the years I have made a sort of pact with myself – I never make big decisions when I am tired.  This realization came the hard way.  I made too many careless mistakes, said too many stupid things and thought too many wacky thoughts all because I simply needed a good night’s sleep.

God knows we need rest.  That’s why he told the children of Israel to take a day off.  A sabbath. 

Do nothing,  God said.

Give yourself a break, He commanded.

“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy” is one of the Ten Commandments.  To be holy means to be set apart.  It could be translated, “Remember the Sabbath and keep it set apart”.  Set apart from what?  From living the way you live life the other 6 days a week. 

Which for most people is “moving like a house a’fire”.  And a house a’fire eventually turns to ashes. 

So this week, make it a priority to get the rest you need.  Replenish your body and your soul will be replenished too.

Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

And so will those around you.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

 Exodus 20:8-11