Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do for our own mental health is take a nap.
Today is the one year anniversary of my first full body paralysis attack. One year ago today, my plans were hijacked. I know that if my plans were hijacked it is because God has something better. However, better, does not equate to easy or pain free.
Sorrow like sea billows roll. Wave after wave crashes into me, tumbling my weaken body.
On the kitchen counter, I read a note left by my sixth-grade daughter. The note reads, “Don’t forget to smile.” How did she know? 
Glancing at countertop chalkboard verse I read aloud, “In everything, give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I bow my head and offer a humble prayer of surrender and thanks. Remembering Rae’s words, I try to smile, but the ability is lost in sorrow.
Today, I ran out of ideas. In the past when sorrow pounds and depression looms, I pray, read God’s word, listen to my favorite songs; recite my favorite verses and personal declarations. Today, I did those things and talked with a few friends, but nothing helped.
I finally surrendered and laid down for an afternoon nap. Two hours later, the dark clouds appeared less ominous and fatigue a tad lighter.
Today, God taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do for our own mental health is take a nap.
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Friend, I don’t know what wave is continually pounding against you. When you have prayed all you can pray, and read all you can read, may I suggest you take a nap and leave the outcome in God’s capable hands.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3)
~April Dawn White
*All Scripture is NIV from Bible Gateway. *Images courtesy of author and Pixabay.
© 2016 April Dawn White, All rights reserved
Thanks for this, April. It reminded me of Psalm 127:2:
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
God never sleeps nor slumbers, that is reason enough to take an afternoon nap!
Amen on the nap! Something I do as often as I can, it helps to get me through the days when the schedule is heavy and the body is weak. I can’t get nearly as much done during the day but find that my time with my family and those around me are much better for it!
Yes, I think my family appreciates the my nap more than me. 🙂
April, I have found sleep to be just as important for my health as nutrition and exercise.
Thank you for the reminder.
Profit you my friend.
April, I love your transparency. And I just prayed for you as I read your post. Praying that you would sense God’s love and touch in your life through this. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And yes, naps are sometimes just what we need. When I’m struggling with writing a lecture for the week, sometimes, I just lay down and take a short nap. When I get up, the words begin to come. Sometimes, we just need to stop and take a short rest. Praying for you!
It’s true that sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is rest. God gave us Sabbath for a reason, but though that discipline is important, we are to live within God’s rest. Praying for you today.
Surrender has always been hard for me–He’s constantly teaching me to do this! Thank you for the encouragement to continue to do so.
Heather Bock
http://www.glimpsesofjesus.com