After our Urban Cry[i] students
spoke on Mother’s Day, I pulled a couple of them aside and told them not to be
surprised if they get home and find that they are fatigued and need a nap. They
each prepared and spoke for ten to fifteen minutes.
Standing in front of a microphone for an extended period of
time can be quite tiring. After leading worship and/or preaching twice on a
Sunday morning, I am ready to lie down for a nap. In fact, it is my afternoon
nap that starts my Sabbath. I take Mondays off because Sunday morning is the
climax of my working week.
Mark Driscoll in his book ‘Real Marriage’ [ii]talks
about the fatigue he experienced from having multiple services from morning
until evening. He found himself nodding off backstage while the worship band
played their set. He jacked himself up with caffeine and energy drinks.
When the gospels tell us that Jesus was fast asleep in a
boat during a violent storm, I’m not surprised. He had been preaching to crowds
all day and needed his nap.
We all need rest and Sabbath because the toil will soon
return. It’s normal to get tired when you exert yourself, but are you generally
well rested? Do you find yourself nodding off because life’s demands are
wearing you down? Do you daily depend on caffeine, sugar and adrenaline boosts
to keep going?
For me, catnaps and dog walking are essential activities to
maintain my daily stamina.
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