Don't sleep too much

"He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Proverbs 10:5 NIV

Sure, we all know that not getting the proper amount of sleep is bad for our health right? But did you know that, according to a new study, getting too much sleep can raise the risk of heart disease which is certainly bad for our health? It's true. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s recent annual scientific conference looked at just over 14,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Much like other large-scale health surveys, this one collects a range of behaviors and outcomes, including diet, exercise, smoking, sleep, and medical diagnoses. Researchers found there was a U-shape relationship with sleep duration: Those who got fewer than six hours of sleep were at the highest ASCVD risk, but there was also elevated risk for those who slept more than seven hours every night. It appeared that the sweet spot was about six to seven hours, which had the lowest ASCVD risk. The takeaway from all this? Finding the right balance between working, running, and sleeping is important. 

And you know, when it comes to finding the right balance between working and resting, the Bible is clear that the one "who gathers crops in the summer" is prudent, or shows good judgement with thought for the future, but the person who "sleeps during harvest" is disgraceful, or a source of shame. That may seem harsh but consider this... the person who sleeps (or engages in other unproductive behavior) when there is work to be done not only shows themselves to be lazy but arrogant in believing they are entitled to have their needs met (money, food, clothing, etc.) without doing any of the work to meet those needs; instead allowing (and many times expecting) others to do the work they, themselves, should be doing. I don't know about you but I would certainly call that disgraceful. 

So while you and I most definitely need to get proper and adequate sleep and rest, let it not be at the expense of putting in a hard day's work and serving the Lord as we are called to do. After all, you and I only have 24 hours in each day and when those hours are gone, they are gone, never to be seen or experienced again. With that in mind, may we see each day for the gift that it is and spend our time wisely. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for each and every day that You choose to give us. Help us to not waste a moment by sleeping or frittering away the hours we have Lord. Compel us to be productive not only at our place of employment and at home but in the missions field that is all around us, especially as we see the end days drawing nearer. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!