It’s 1:00am and I’m stressed out. But at least I have good reason. In 250 words or less, I need to tell you how to respond to stress in a way that is spiritually pleasing to God. And guess what? All I’ve got is a four-letter-word. @*$!
Stress. It brings out the best in each of us, doesn’t it?
One of the joys of seminary was that I experienced my first ulcer. For three years, I averaged five or less hours of sleep a night and enjoyed a diet of ramen noodles and bad Chinese take-out. And coffee. Lots of coffee. But I was not alone; my “suffering” was not in vain. And so my professors routinely preached to a group of stressed-out people preparing for a lifetime of stress (otherwise known as “ministry”). I distinctly remember learning one of the most spiritual things you can ever do, is sleep.
In other words, Grandma had it right. Sleep. Eat your veggies. Drink 8 glass of water a day. Love Jesus.
There’s a principle here that I think we can walk away with. Let’s call it “The Grandma Principle.” We need a Sabbath. We need Sabbath rest. And we don’t have to wait for Sunday. True rest is found only in the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus Christ.
- Practically, the Grandma Principle means to keep the sanctity of the Sabbath, however the Lord leads you. For some, that means dining out on Sundays; for others, it means a home-cooked meal.
- The Grandma Principle also means you should take time for yourself without feeling guilt. It is never wrong to do the right thing. You know when your body needs a break. Pushing through deadline to deadline will eventually kill you. Trust me. I know first-hand what a walking carcass looks like.
- Finally, the Grandma Principle means that Christ alone is your refuge. He will tell you how to spend your time. He will carry you. He will be your strength. He will be your rest.
The irony is that I will wake up in a mere 4 hours, severely devoid of said sleep. Yet, even in this moment, I am experiencing Sabbath rest. As we turn to Christ with a body that is needy and fatigued, a heart that is desperate and soft, He heals us—just as He healed on those Sabbath days long ago.
March 30th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Thanks, Karin, for all that you said. I never thought of the connection between Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath, and the Sabbath rest He gives us (even when it’s not the Sabbath.) Thanks.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:58 am
That’s an awesome insight, Karin. Thanks. I need to remember to take a Sabbath rest regularly. We probably all need that reminder.
March 30th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
I love that you called it the Grandma Principle!
I must say I am not a very good rester. In fact, Jason and I are taking a few days this next week together apart from the kids to refresh and rest. He asked me the other day what I expected from our time. And I am really not sure. I do know that I desperately need it, but not sure how exactly I will experience it. I know it is different for everyone, how they find rest. I just haven’t quite figured it out yet. So, we’ll see. I’ll let you know if I truly find rest!
March 31st, 2007 at 4:15 pm
[…] in keeping with the Grandma Principle: 1) keep the sanctity of the Sabbath 2) take time for yourself without feeling guilt 3) Christ alone […]