REST

Day 6 of the gratitude of Lent.

I am grateful for the power of rest.

Experts tell us that to live healthy and productive lives we need three things: exercise, a balanced diet and rest.  I don’t know why we tell ourselves that we can do without sleep when this is the time our bodies heal and our cells rebuild.  I remember those days as a young mother when I was sleep deprived.  My toddler was up all day and the baby was up all night.  Many times I fell asleep holding the baby in my arms while sitting in a rocking chair.  By the grace of God, we all survived although many days I looked like someone from the Walking Dead.

As I have grown older, I am learning more and more to listen to my body. I am more willing to let a household chore go undone if I feel the need to take a nap.  Funny thing, the world doesn’t end and eventually I get everything done. Rest is important, even God rested.

REST

Tired and weary bones,

A body that aches and groans.

A mind that churns in overdrive,

We all need rest to survive.

God in his wisdom surely knew,

Our bodies need time to renew.