On Friday, I said I would be preaching at Maple City Chapel sharing our experience of The Best Worst Year. If you didn’t have an opportunity to listen live, you can access it here.

What does one do when she lays it all down over the course of several hours and two services? She follows the example of scripture, specifically in 1 Kings 19.

⁵Then he lay down and slept …. 

1 Kings 19:5

The account of Elijah battling the prophets of Baal is undeniable proof that God was real and Baal was not. It was an exhausting day for Elijah — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Threatened with death by Jezebel, he fled to the wilderness depleted in every way. He sat under the broom tree, told God he was done and asked to die. That is a picture of complete exhaustion! (For the complete story, read 1 Kings 18 and 19. It is fascinating!)

I wasn’t quite that exhausted nor was my life threatened by anyone. Still, I slept. More deeply than I have slept in quite some time!

I wonder why it is so difficult to admit I am tired and need a nap. Pushing through barriers and over obstacles, I press on. Even when the most spiritual thing I could do is nap.

Today, I napped.

Are you exhausted and yet pushing through to meet a self-imposed deadline or expectation? Is a nap, perhaps, the most spiritual thing you could do right now?

²³Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.  ²⁴Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 

Matthew 8:23-24

I want to be like Jesus, and he napped! So, grab a pillow, a blanket and snuggle up on the sofa. It’s going to be all right!