I will never forget shortly after beginning the 7th grade one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Stadelman, asked our class “In your opinion, which movie was the best movie of the summer?” Most people said “Jurassic Park”. It is for sure is a great movie and the music is one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. However he said his favorite was “Sleepless in Seattle” and recommended we all watch it. I realized I had not even seen the movie over the summer but took his advice and rented it. I unexpectedly loved it…much like that class! It is one of my favorite movies of all time…and the soundtrack (which as a side note in my opinion is one of the most important parts of any movie)? Perfection! I often think of it on the nights I find myself sleepless.
This past week I have noticed that if I am up and moving around I feel okay. But the minute I lay my head to rest I’m uncomfortable, irritated and then I start relentlessly coughing. So the most rest I’ve gotten is between 2 and 4 hours at a time. When I lay awake my mind starts to think of all the things I could be doing. You know me…the Martha takes over. But then the Mary in me awakes and reminds me that God never sleeps so I should pray. It has been in those hours I have unexpectedly felt more rested than if I had slept all night revealing such Truth I all to often forget.
As a chronic illness sufferer and recovering ‘Martha’ one of the things I long for most is rest. There is no doubt my body needs it and I often have to be disciplined to attain it. But I do not need to chase rest as if I can manufacture it. I don’t know about you but when I try with all my might to focus on falling asleep, it’s the last thing I’m able to do. True rest comes from the Lord alone. All I have to do is come to Him and take His yolk upon me. He then carries the weight of my burdens so my body, mind and soul can rest.
If you, too are finding yourself relentlessly sleepless or worn or weary…go to Him. He is always awake ready and wanting to hear from you. Tell Him your worries, your doubts and fears. He can take it! Give Him your anger and frustrations and hurts! He wants to take them from you and in return give you peace that passes understanding. In a world where stress and anxiety rule the roost, we can be free of it! I’m telling you just like I unexpectedly loved ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ in the 7th grade, you too may actually be able to feel more rested by not sleeping!
