People either laugh at me or stare when I tell them about my holy naps.
I guard my Sabbath. Because I work about 60 hours/week and much of that involves ministry, I need to observe the 4th Commandment. I desperately need rest on Sundays.
Yes, I go to church and then usually, I spend some quality time with my son. The rest of the day is for rest and about an hour of that includes the holy nap.
Naps are under-rated. We demand them of our young children, because we know that rest helps them grow and thrive.
But why not also for adults? A restorative nap of even 10 minutes can help refresh our minds and hearts.
So what happens during a holy nap? How is it different from a regular siesta in the middle of the day?
For me, it’s more than physical rest. My holy nap also involves handing over to God the burdens that have been placed on me during the week: crises in people’s lives, the uncertainties of our times, Mom’s Alzheimer’s.
We sometimes forget that ministers need encouragement, too. Reverend G reminds us that “Life is a puzzle. As we age, life adds layers to our personalities and our experiences. We learn more about trusting God, then we begin to see the great cycle of history play out in our genes. But Alzheimer’s, dementia and other crises exfoliate us. They takes away the layers of life until we’re back to childhood, no longer wise.” http://amzn.to/11QATC1
So during my holy nap, I lay down the burdens of the week. I rest in the arms of God, usually starting with a prayer where I ask Jesus to intercede for all the people I know who need prayers.
When I fall asleep, the Holy Spirit takes over and I often wake up with new ideas for writing or a Bible verse to share with someone or a new and creative plan for a coaching client.
Always, I wake up refreshed – ready for another week and more of the ministries God has called me to.
So I recommend it – this small respite on a Sunday afternoon. Say “No” to extra activities on that day and put a guard around your busy heart.
Take a holy nap and be grateful.
©2013 RJ Thesman – “The Unraveling of Reverend G” – http://amzn.to/11QATC1
Rebecca ~ I love this article! I am a fellow napper, I also carefully guard my Sundays, and I love the title of a “Holy Nap!” Thanks for sharing! Love, Carie
I’m so glad to meet another Sunday napper! May God always bless your Sabbaths and keep them as a special time with Him.
I just discovered your blog tonight. I love this idea about guarding Sundays! Tonight we went to our life group and it is part of our Sunday. We do some kind of study together and we catch up on our lives. The couples in the group are dear friends and they always help me start my week and then my husband and I go home and retire to bed much earlier than other nights….and it’s not exactly a nap but does help,us spend time together as a couple in prayer and cuddle time together…it is such a sacred day!
Thank you, Laura. Yes indeed – those Sabbath rest days are so important. I’m so glad you and your hubby have discovered the joy together.
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