Archive for Random Musings
The Sleep-Life Connection
Posted by: | CommentsLast night my family and I enjoyed a night at the ballpark, watching our new favorite team, the State College Spikes. It was a 6 o’clock game, but with the fireworks and running the bases afterwards, it turned into a late night. I think we finally got the kids in bed around 10 pm, but I am certain they didn’t fall asleep right away. Then they were up a bit before 8 o’clock this morning in order to get to their gymnastics camp.
All in all, they probably got around an hour or two less sleep last night. And though you couldn’t tell earlier in the day, the lack of rest became evident as the day wore on. The kids were slower in their obedience, little Naomi had a bit more ‘tude’ and each of them was much more apt to cry. And this is not even to mention little Isaiah.
Anyhow, it got me to wondering how many kids out there might be struggling with various issues of disobedience and whining or whatever in large part because they aren’t getting enough rest. I praise God that my wife Erin does a great job getting the kids to bed and making sure they get the rest they need. It’s a huge blessing to them and, in the end, everyone else they come in contact with. For when they get their rest, they are much more apt to be a blessing to each other and others.
The same holds true with us right? There is a clear connection between how well we rest and how well we live. So how are you doing with your sleep? And if you are a parent, are you serving your kids well by making sure they get in bed and stay there? Sure, a night out now and again is a good thing, but if you are making a habit of it (for yourself and/or your kids), I am thinking you are seeing some unnecessary negative effects. Might be worth checking into the link between the two. Take some notes over the next few weeks and note how well your kids rest and in turn, how things go the next day. Same for yourself.
Re-entering the Blogosphere
Posted by: | CommentsIt was pointed out to me the other day that I haven’t made a post since March 11th. Considering blog posts usually take 5-10 minutes to create, I figured I would re-enter the blogosphere by giving a few excuses for my extended absence.
1) I go through seasons where I really dislike the computer.
This is a serious one and actually the primary reason I got started on this long hiatus. I might be odd in this regard, but I hit periods of my life when I borderline hate my computer (and I even have a Mac). I want nothing to do with email or blogging or sometimes (gasp) espn.com. Ok, maybe not espn.com, but pretty close. Though my dislike did not last the full six weeks of my absence, it did get the absence started.
2) I wanted to give an example for why RSS is such a good idea.
Not a serious one, but not a bad idea.
3) My squad and I were in the midst of a championship run.
Somewhat serious actually. We were in the midst of a championship run that has since concluded with us as the champs! Did my time away from the computer have something to do with that? Definitely not, but it did coincide with it.
4) My wife and kids were headed back to the States without me, so I wanted to soak up every moment I could with them.
Definitely a serious one and one that I truly considered. But as my wife of all people would certainly point out, I still could have taken a few minutes to blog. And she is right about that.
5) I have been writing, just not here.
My final reason and another serious one. I actually have been writing a book I have long wanted to write re: Christianity and Athletic Competition (not the title, but more or less what it is about). It is has just been something I have long wanted to do and with the vast amount of time I suddenly have by myself (Erin and the kids back in the States), I decided to go for it. It has been a good learning experience. I will certainly let you know if it ever gets finished and definitely, if it ever gets published.
So I am back to blogging…at least for today.
Valuing Perseverance
Posted by: | CommentsI enjoy the Olympics. Though I am not sure I would watch any of the Olympic sports at any other time, I thoroughly enjoy them every four years.
One of the things that comes with every Olympics is personal stories of perseverance. It is inevitable and, it seems, constant, during the Olympic broadcasts. Every athlete has a story. And many of the athletes have a particular setback that they were able to overcome or endure in order to make it to the Olympics. An injury, a death in the family, failure four years ago, etc.
While watching one of these stories the other day, it hit me…I thoroughly enjoy these stories of perseverance, yet I don’t really want to be one of those folks who have to persevere and endure such difficult things.
That goes for most of it doesn’t it? We are inspired by tales of overcoming difficult obstacles, yet we tend to despise the obstacles in our own lives, the very things that can make us people of perseverance. We seem to simply want little more than everything coming easy. We are content with being inspired, when we could become inspiring.
According to Scripture, God is jealous to make His people people of perseverance. We are even told that Christians should count various kinds of trials joy because they are used by God to make us people of maturity and perseverance (James 1:2-4). While watching the Olympics, I am wise to use the plethora of perseverance stories to remind myself that I should not despise the means God ordains to making me a man that, just maybe, can inspire others and not just be inspired. Maybe you can watch and be reminded of the same.
