When Less is More

…AWW…the blessing of a Sunday nap…

If you ask me, a Sunday nap is a necessity if at all possible! I know some who don’t take one due to that they can’t sleep at night if they do, but I don’t think it’s solely about sleeping. In general, I believe God gave us a day of rest, and I embrace that gift. In the Old Testament, it was serious business— commanded. So, I highly recommend it. The benefits are probably more far-reaching than we even know.

That is not to say that there aren’t times when activity is in order…whether a Sunday visit or helping a neighbor— or perhaps your ‘ox is in in the ditch’ (see reference below**) and it can’t wait. Or, maybe a relaxing day on the river, by the pool, or a backroads, country drive is restful for you. But, sometimes, I am afraid we have picked up Sunday as our catch-up day— our day to do what we can’t get done through the week. If that is the case, my friend, then I do believe you may have added too big of a helping to your life’s plate.

Some may frown on what I am about to say, but I hope that you will stick with me long enough to allow me to explain…

As I started writing this, I just came out of about a 2 1/2 hour Sunday ‘coma’ (as my husband calls it), and my husband said, “That’s not normal.” Of course, I began to explain why it was so good!! 🙂 Yes, that is a bit of a lengthy nap— even for me. Sometimes, I set my alarm for around an hour to an hour and a half– maybe two; but since this past week had been a little busy, I didn’t even set an alarm— thus the extended nap! I got a very small nap last Sunday; and the days leading up to that day had already left me needing a little longer one. With little Sunday rest last week (although it was a great Mother’s Day!), I was tired the first half of the week. On Tuesday, as I worked to recoup a little, I fought off a nap with a cup of coffee which may not have been the best idea. You see, when I don’t get my Sunday nap, I usually feel it later in the week. I told my husband in regards to my naps, “That’s why I feel so great the rest of the week!”

You see, for a long, long while, I have been a firm believer in rest. I worked diligently to get my kids in bed by a certain time when they were home to keep their immune systems intact. I read once that losing a certain number of hours of sleep (maybe 2?— it’s been a while) that your immune system goes in half. I don’t know if that’s true, but it was enough to motivate me.

I am, also, a firm believer in being active…but not excessively active. I have been over-ambitious at times in my life, recognized the motivation behind some of those actions, and now embrace that, so often, less is more. In the last few years, realizing this about myself, I have prayed for balance…the kind of balance that allows me to be active, social (the right amount of social for my introverted personality who absolutely needs time alone but no doubt recognizes the need and desire for relationships!!), and have rest.

As I write this, we haven’t been to church in several weeks due to the pandemic and government shut-downs. Our church has plans to re-open in a few weeks. I have heard many say that they can’t wait to get back and how they miss it. (This is the part that I hope you won’t frown on too much, but will try to see my view for just a minute or two.) It’s not that I haven’t thought about it or missed it somewhat, but as I was fixing breakfast this morning, these thoughts regarding rest began to resurface…

On a normal basis, I don’t cook Sunday breakfast before church. I tried many years ago, if memory serves me correctly, when the kids were smaller. That was simply too much to try to do and get us ready to go. Of course, they had breakfast— I’m sure! I just don’t remember what! Nowadays, on Sunday mornings, our normal go-to is gas station donuts or breakfast pizza. (Dont’ knock it ‘til you try it!!) Sometimes, I’ll have yogurt or nothing but coffee (which is perfectly fine on occasion). But since our church closed, and we have been watching online services, I have been cooking Sunday breakfast quite regularly.

Well, this morning as I was cooking, it felt like how I feel when I am vacation-cooking at the beach. Steve was already napping on the couch, and I had a breeze coming through the open windows. I did not feel guilty for enjoying being able to cook breakfast today— or for the last several weeks (excluding Mothers’ Day) for that matter.

You see, yes, I look forward to going back to church. I love the corporate worship (one thing that drew me to where I attend) and the sermons; and I have no doubt, whatsoever, that we need to be attending TO-gether!

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/heb.10.25.nlt

But this whole unprecedented situation is not beyond God’s watchful eye. As I have shared on many occasions, my theme verse right now is:

“He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalms 91:4)

…and I believe it.

I believe God has allowed this, at least in part, in order to help us gain a new perspective in many cases— and to rest. Even those in church ministry need rest. Sometimes, we can take on so much ‘good,’ and with good intentions, that we wear ourselves down and, quite possibly, overlook what’s best.

I know that these times have been tough for many. Even staying at home has been tough on a lot of people; but I truly believe if we could embrace the time that is, and not continually wish for the time to come; look around at our blessings— especially compared to many around the world; slow down and smell the roses— maybe cook some breakfast ;), we can gain so much from this change of pace.

I’ve enjoyed cooking those breakfasts. Yes, when we go back to church, that will cease, and that part is ok. But I haven’t spent my time longing to only be there. I’ve embraced the sermons online while sitting in my living room (and this morning, my breezeway) with my honey; cooking a little extra; spending time with God, and resting.***

I realize that things are opening back up. I’ve already noticed us eating out more (which I love— don’t get me wrong), and unfortunately wasting more food due to thinking I’m going to cook and then not (definitely something I want to work on!), etc. The traffic is back, at least in part. But we can take what we’ve gained and progress forward at a slower pace if we so choose…taking time to recognize His leading at when to say, “yes,” and embracing when to say, “I can’t.”

Let us not quickly forget to…

slow down a little•

do the things you really love•

spend some time with the people you love•

reminisce•

remember what’s important•

rest•

•Rest in Him•

“Be still and know…” (See Psalms 46:10)

___

**”And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?”

Luke 14:5 KJV

https://www.bible.com/1/luk.14.5.kjv

***As an employee of essential business, I have continued to work part-time outside of my home; but have still been able to see the benefits of the slowing down in other aspects.