Day 19 — Gratitude for Rest
- Scripture: Psalm 4:8: I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
- Reflection: The approaching winter reminds us that the world, the earth, and even our bodies and minds require some dormancy, some down time, some respite.
Sleep restores our spirits, as well as body, heart, and mind. Neuroscience shows rest restores memory, mood, and body repair. Sleep also renews our energy. Its replenishes our capacity to be present. Rest resets our ability to contribute, to offer energy, to have reserves to share.
When we dream, those dreams may help us work through troubles. Though we don’t resolve problems in our sleep, we sometimes reach points of clarity on issues that need our discernment, by the time we wake.
Whenever we take a break, or honor the Sabbath, whether on the weekend or midweek, it becomes a reminder not to be owned by productivity. Rather we are prompted to appreciate our full human value, including our capacity to relax, renew, and enjoy ourselves. This includes the spiritual discipline of self-care by getting sufficient sleep every day, not just on designated days of rest. - Practice: Go to bed earlier than usual with intention. Bless your rest as holy.
Song:
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles: https://youtu.be/CGj85pVzRJs?si=ujWGWe6YrzlPs1C
“There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.” — Homer
Nov 19 Daily Devotional