Sunday Afternoon Naps

I love coming home after Church. I think it is one of the best things ever. I love going to church and being spiritually filled for 3 hours -- even teaching for 1 of those hours -- then coming home, taking a deep breath, and relaxing. It is such a fabulous feeling, really. Church is awesome, but there is no place like home. It is the best!

We have church pretty late in the afternoon now, so naps are not really reasonable, but relaxing deeply is. My kids don't really love relaxing as much as I do, so they generally play games, watch movies, or otherwise entertain themselves, while I take some time to breathe and ponder my life.

It is important to take the time to be still. I love being still when I can. Being busy all the time is not healthy.

I know how important it is to sleep and be well rested. Sleep is vital to feeling good, and being happy. When you are tired it can really mess with your mind, and make you feel less than vibrant and peaceful. Your brain can get all fuzzy, and foggy, and it is hard to think straight. It can even make you feel bummed-out and depressed. That is not good.

A few weeks before Charles died, our Bishop talked about the importance of getting enough rest. His words echoed in my ears in the following weeks and months as I struggled to sleep. I knew I needed to rest, and sleep, but it was so hard when my mind was racing, and I just felt overwhelmingly scared sometimes. But I also knew if I was adding exhaustion to my sorrow, then I would be in deep trouble. I would often try and catch some beauty sleep whenever I could. If there was a chance to rest, I would take it. It made all the difference in the world in the healing process.

My sleeping is much better now compared to the beginning, right after Charles died. My mind still races, but a large degree of my sorrow has been lifted, and I am filled with hope -- which is a nice change. It also helps that I have been running almost daily, and running really helps me sleep well, which is nice.

Sometimes I just need to take a break from everything, and everyone. I will retreat to my room, listen to quiet music, and ponder the meaning of life -- particularly my life. I deliberately take the time to breathe and be at peace, because as a Mother, those moments can be few and far between. But they are so important to feeling good. We are meant to take that time to breathe, to rest, and recover.

Even Jesus would break away from everything, and go off by himself for some rest and recovery, and time to reconnect with his Heavenly Father, alone. We should follow his example. Right?

Right!

So, in this upcoming week of business and crazy, take some time to schedule in a nap, or at least a peaceful rest, and time to ponder quietly. Take some time to lay still, and allow your mind to be guided by your Heavenly Father. It is a lot easier for Him to get through to you if you can be still for a moment. Rest is good for your mind and body. If you have gone without it, you know it is true.

Peace be still.

I sometimes snuggle with one of the huge teddy bears the kids got for Christmas. It is super comforting, and it will just have to do -- since Charles is not here to snuggle with.