Sleep deprived! That’s what so many of our teenagers are, turning night into day, socialising, playing computer games, youtubing, facebooking, bebo’ing, msn’ing, texting, phoning, watching tv, etc. It’s been on the news several times lately, the concern of teachers, parents & employers that young folk are not able to give their best, due to lack of sleep. But, they’re not alone, are they, if I’m anything to go by?
The night I play football I’m in by about 10.40 p.m. & need the next 1 ½ hours, at least, to wind down. On Friday nights I’m often up till the wee small hours preparing for Sunday. I’m hooked on Facebook now & love to check up on what everyone’s saying, but it’s a big mistake to plug into it close to bed time, ‘cause it just gets my mind whirling (my wife knows not to raise mind-straining issues last thing at night!). I’m also realising that I need to try & start my wind-down times after evening work earlier, which means trying to stop working earlier & allow for more sleep, so that I can get up early enough to spend quality time with God. It’s all about desire & discipline, but we need each other to hold us accountable & encourage us in good habits.
So, have you any tips or good practise for encouraging both young & old to get more beauty sleep, so that we can better reflect God’s good looks & excellent character in our living & service? It’s good to know that God wants us to enjoy ‘deep sleep’! Lay it on me Lord!
Psalm 127:1-3 (The Message)
1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks.
If God doesn't guard the city,
the night watchman might as well nap.
It's useless to rise early and go to bed late,
and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don't you know he enjoys
giving rest to those he loves?
Minister
