Mother's column – Sleeping is just as useful as new experiences are
A child playing on the beach. Photo ANP, Remko de Waal
Christian Life
It's vacation time! The time of year to enjoy family time, have new experiences and learn new things.
While my children were learning to swim at the beach, we also had the opportunity to reflect on rest.
After days of intense days at the beach, changing routines, and seeing friends and family, the children actually had an afternoon of physical collapse. They slept the entire time.
When they woke up very late, they insisted that they wanted to go swimming, but by then, it was no longer possible. They were very unhappy that they did not swim that day and missed the opportunity just to sleep.
We talked about the benefits of rest for their bodies. About the fact that sleep helps them to grow, to have new energy, and to make their thoughts, emotions, and muscles work better. They were interested, but still not convinced that it was worth losing an afternoon of playtime just to sleep.
Labours
So, we had a chance to talk about how rest is part of God's plan. Even the Lord, when He was doing the greatest work ever: creation, eventually rested.
Not only did He rest, but He commanded His people to always have a day of rest. A day to take a break from the labours of all time and refresh themselves both physically and spiritually.
It is good to see my children realising a little more each day that everything, even rest, was created by God!
As they learn this for the first time, I, as a mother, can reflect on these realities and be thankful that the Lord knows even our summer weariness and need for vacation!
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