Truth for Tuesday: 10 Hrs of Sleep

10 hours people. 10. Whole. Hours. 

That's what happened. I got 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  

Now, don't get me wrong, I had to throw up all day Sunday in order to earn it... but still... I think every drop of throw up was worth it. (I came down with some sort of crazy stomach bug and we sent the littles away to the grands in hopes that they won't catch it and I can recoup... thus the 10 hours of sleep). But holy cow... I woke up and it's like I regained a few super powers. It's like all of my senses are working properly, whereas I didn't realize how I was running on fumes and my ability to function fully was altered (all of you probably knew it due to my typos and inability to focus). But hey. Today is a brand new day, I've slept, and I can conquer the world.

I remember when the girls were young and I would see facebook posts like "Our sweet little baby finally slept 8 hours through the night at 4 weeks!!" and I wanted to punch my computer screen because I was literally not sleeping longer than 1-2 hrs at a time for months (on a good night). And I remember the sleep deprivation that prevents all good will from existing so you're unable to celebrate with your friends' sleep triumphs. So when their babies slept through the night, although you wanted to be happy for them... you were 230492384% jealous and there was a little part of you that wanted to call their cell phones every time your baby cried. I hear you. I get it. I remember. SO I know that this post to some of you right now is going to make you want to scream and punch your computer screens. I get it. and I'm fully willing to take the hit. 

But I'm so elated that I have to share it with the world. 10 hours people. 10 hours. Go ahead and slap your screen. 

It's just amazing how much sleep affects EVERYTHING. It affects your mood, your ability to think clearly, move quickly... it's amazing. I mean, the me without sleep is contemplating how to call my other sleep deprived friends and wake them up. The me with sleep is praying for my sweet sisters who are tired & exhausted and in desperate need of encouragement. Sleep changes everything. It's amazing how when we're rested and gain a little perspective how everything shifts.  

I think it's the same for those of us who are exhausted spiritually.  

I love how Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew, "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Don't get me wrong, I don't think this verse is talking about sleep deprived mothers. But I do think it is for those of us who are exhausted spiritually.

I see you, you're the busy girl who is serving faithfully but who isn't making enough time to take care of herself spiritually OR physically. You don't get enough sleep. You don't get enough time in Scripture. You spend your days doing good things, but you're exhausted spiritually and physically. Or maybe you're the woman who is exhausted from a broken marriage. Going home everyday to a husband who is an unbeliever and you're tired of trying. I see you on Sundays sitting there, barely able to raise your hands in worship, exhausted by the struggle. Or maybe you're the mother who is weeping for her children. You're tired of the battle of raising children who constantly push against you. You're worried that they're going to grow up and not follow the Lord. Or maybe you're like me, you're sleep deprived (minus today) and in the throws of raising small children. You barely have time to pee by yourself let alone have time for daily devotions. Staying in the Word is a struggle and you're exhausted. 

I see you & I hear you. Take comfort in Jesus's words. This promise is for YOU.  He promises REST for your souls. Go to the one who gives rest, take his yoke upon you, learn from him who is gentle and lowly in heart. Run to the one who is mighty to save and can change the hearts of kings. This Jesus, He is strong and mighty, but He is gently and lowly, and He offers you rest. Take it my friend, Take your burdens and run to him. Be encouraged because Jesus didn't come to save those of us who have all of our crap together... He came for the sick, the weary, those who are broken. He came for you. Rest in His promises today. 

Much love,