Today we are considering the importance of REST and the revitalization that it brings.  Since rest is the opposite of motion perhaps these moments together will bring a measure of restoration to your otherwise motion-filled day.

Sleep is one part of the resting process. Getting too much sleep is just as problematic as not getting enough. Too much makes one lethargic at the least and at the most over-sleeping is known to cause headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.  

On the other hand, along with the obvious chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness that the lack of sleep causes, a sleep restricted state can also cause clumsiness, weight loss, weight gain, and slowed responses to outside stimuli.  But it doesn’t stop there…a sleep-deprived person can also face premature aging or weakened immune system to everything from the common cold to terminal cancer.

 “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”  Vince Lombardi

An adequate amount of sleep is a necessity in our lives and in the lives of our athletes in order to avoid loss of confidence and purpose.

For my husband, his 47 years of coaching have been augmented by a daily nap.  Whether it’s a break in the day when he grabs a quick 20-minute wink at home or on a secluded cot at school, it is key to getting him through the day.  On game days he hopes for a bit more time on the pillow…like 40 minutes.  Then, with his strength is renewed, he’s ready to face the second half the day that the Lord has given him. He knows that the competence of his work is dependent upon the rest he takes.


"I’m sometimes tempted to believe that the work I do when I’m awake is more important than the work God does while I sleep.”  Julie Ackerman Link

…He gives His beloved sleep.  Psalm 127:2b

It is while we are at rest, devoid of motion and experiencing the restoration of sleep, that God renews our energy, re-vitalizes our bodies and resets our brains.

If we do not come apart and rest awhile, we may just plain come apart. Havner

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.

God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow – peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,
REST FOR THE WEARY- light for the way;

Grace for each trial – help from above…
Unfailing kindness – undying love
(Original Hymn words by Annie Johnson Flint)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST.” 
Matthew 11:28 NIV

Blessings…as you apply today’s written “oration” and rest with the life-giving sleep that God promises!

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224  

 


Comments

Lori Doe
01/29/2013 04:37

Janet, thank you for these thoughts and scriptures. I woke up early thinking about how important sleep is to our health and how God grants sleep to those he loves. Then I started praying again....we came down to AZ to visit our grand kids, and the youngest started running a fever of 103 and has been for 6 days. He is in the hospital and the drs are trying to figure out what is going on in his little 2 year old body. His parents have not had much sleep all week.

Reply
Mom
01/29/2013 14:12

Thanks for the reminder...Take Time to rest to do your best!

When I get weary with toils of the way...
Off in the secret I go and pray
When rest time is ended, then's when I say:
Thank you, Lord for the rhythms of the day!

Reply



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    About the Author... 
    JANET BROWN


    As a veteran coach's wife, Janet invites you to "Change the world for Christ...one athlete at a time".

    BACKGROUND
    In addition to ministry with her husband, Coach Dave Brown, Janet is the mother of two, grandmother of four and "sportmom" to many. Using her adventuresome career as a Flight Attendant, her illustrative career as a corporate executive and her background in women's ministries leadership, she writes the SPORTMOM E-votionals posted at this site.

    MISSION
    Through the language of sports and life experiences, Janet uniquely exposes the character of God and His great love. Encouraging moms of athletes, coaches wives and gal coaches in their role as sportmoms is her passion and goal.

    PURPOSE
    It is with an intriguing view from BEHIND THE BENCH that Janet invites us into her world of both the triumph of amazing wins as well as the tragedy of personal loss. As a writer, speaker and mentor to sportmoms, her powerful testimony carries God's life-changing message of hope and encouragement into the world of women and sports.

    CONTACT
    Janet's ministry background includes local, regional and national women's ministry seaker and leader, Bible study teacher and retreat/keynote speaker. For speaking inquiries write to sportmoms@comcast.net. As a  veteran coach's wife, Janet Brown is mother of 2 and "sportmom" to many.

    Her adventuresome career as a Flight Attendant followed by a 25-year tenure as a corporate executive has led to writing these SPORTMOM E-votionals where she  "reaches the world for Christ . . . one athlete at a time".  

    Through the language and experiences of sports, she uniquely exposes the character of God and His great love as she encourages moms of athletes, coaches wives and gal coaches in their role as sportmoms.  
     
    It is with this intriguing view from BEHIND THE BENCH that  Janet  invites us into her world of triumph and tragedy.  As a writer, speaker and mentor to sportmoms, her powerful testimony carries God's message of hope and encouragement. 

    Ministry

    Janet's  ministry background includes local, regional and national women's ministry leader, Bible study teacher and retreat/keynote speaker. For speaking inquiries write to sportmoms@comcast.net.

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