What’s Sleep Got to Do With It?
What does sleep have to do with the way we lead our wives and children? How can sleep improve our relationships and our ability to influence the Gospel in our community?
Most of us men wear the lack of sleep as a badge of honor. We say, “I only got 4 hours last night, but it’s all good.”
Maybe some of us have demanding jobs that require many hours in the day. Some of us have small kids or parents we take care of.
God’s Word has a lot to say about sleep and the necessity of it in our lives.
Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Burn Out is Real
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that adults need 7-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours a day. Science and God’s Word align with the importance of sleep and how it affects every area of our lives.
In order for us men to be the most effective for our families and in the world, we need to sleep well.
I burned out last year trying to save the world in Jesus’ name. I know, right.
“So, you can burn out serving Jesus?”
Yes!
I found myself aggravated and passionless about the things I used to love. I hated the feeling of not wanting to do what I know God called me to do.
This burn out led me to seriously re-evaluate my schedule and how I let other things take precedence over my relationship with God and family.
Rest is important and necessary just like sleep; however, if we don’t sleep well we will not rest well.
Now, my relationship with God corresponds to an engaged husband and father. I am more productive today than I was then, and I am able to do more for the kingdom in less time.
So, What’s the Play Call?
- Notice what is eating up your time.
- Ask those who are unimpressed with you if you have been pleasant to be around lately.
- Make a schedule and follow it.
- Protect your family time, or if you are single, protect the time you use freeing your mind from work or school.
Doulos,
Chet
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