Daily Hope for the Empty NestSample

Afternoon Naps

I had an overused saying while my kids were young and active, and I was burning the candle at both ends: “Sleep is overrated!” As a meteorologist on the early morning newscast, which begins at 4:30 a.m., my alarm clock rings at 2:45 a.m., regardless of my bedtime. Literally, a bedtime of 9:45 p.m. would get me only five hours of sleep! For so many years, I felt perpetually jet-lagged, as my kids’ evening practices, games, or other activities regularly prevented me from getting the recommended eight or nine hours of sleep.

In the empty nest season, fewer evening commitments mean that my evening schedule and bedtime routine are mostly my own to decide. Plus, on those occasions when I do stay awake a bit too late, I have the luxury of pre-planning for the missing sleep by taking an afternoon nap or grabbing extra hours of sleep the next day.

In our scripture today, we are reminded that sleep is good. Not getting enough sleep is not to be considered a badge of honor (or a mark of laziness). Instead, the writer in Proverbs reminds us that our sleep is “sweet.”

Prayer

Dear God, please remind me that taking care of myself includes getting enough rest. In this empty nest season, the blessing of fewer required activities allows my body to enjoy enough sleep. Please help me to take advantage of that. Amen.

Exercise

Commit to getting eight hours of sleep each night, or taking an afternoon nap each day!