Get some sleep!!

Sleep.

The beauty and joy of a good night’s sleep.

Sadly many of us do not get the sleep we need and we can easily read the myriad of articles about this on any web-site or in any newspaper article.

Over the last week I have had a couple nights where sleep was interrupted. I am sure you have all been there…you awaken at 3 a.m. and all of a sudden your mind floods with all that is on the “to-do” list or the problems and challenges left undone.

I got caught with trying to manage logistics and details in the wee hours of the morning that were not mine to manage!!

Worrying about things that were not worth it or certainly not big enough to interrupt sleep. And then I wake up early, as normal, but I am missing an hour or two from overnight and that just further zaps energy.

Sleep, precious sleep we need it so for our general health and well-being.

Over the last couple days I have been listening to Billy Graham on my satellite radio (channel 145 if you have Sirius XM until the 4th). In a recent sermon he preached at length about peace and how the whole world is searching for peace.

He said it can’t be found in the world, true peace is found only in God, in Christ Jesus. Billy quoted Jesus in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

It’s hard to hear this and then still deal with a troubled heart and fear and lack of peace, but Jesus is that true peace. And as I had my overnight struggles recently I prayed and I asked God to take my worries, troubles, fears or lack of peace.

God agreed but asked me to be sure to give them up and stop holding them so close!!!

And then my mind and heart were flooded with that peace and I went back to sleep. Just like a baby who had woken up hungry, I was fed, held, warmed and put back in bed. “Blanky” covering me up, soft pillow, and the promise of sleep to come!

In the busy-ness of life, please be sure you are getting your rest and sleep! A great Lenten discipline of self-care…

God Bless You,

Pr. Doug, Chaplain