Nap time, Part 2 (the mid-nap)

“Cease striving and know that I am God” –Psalm 46:10

As we quietly shut the nursery door, what a relief comes with naptime. Our child is down and out for a while anyway, and barring an explosion in the front yard or in the diaper, we can relax for a while. But too often we don't slow down and we don't relax. A God-provided opportunity for chill-time can turn into busyness and worry. The same holds true for our kids at any age. There is always something to worry about.

God promises us peace, security, contentment and life. I’m 1000% convinced that there is an evil one that has made promises too. He promises worry, fear, restlessness and death. I prefer the first promise. But both promises are true and a promise is a promise.

So, as a parent, I’m left to make a choice. When my child is screaming his head off, I can be okay. When my child is sound asleep, I can be okay. I’m left to make that choice.

My child is fast asleep in the crib, I gently shut the door, and I turn on the monitor. I walk into the den and I have a choice. Relax and trust that a loving God has His child in hands or kick into worry mode. Because the worry list is long: what if he gets sick while they’re sleeping? What if our baby is susceptible to SIDS? What if the baby monitor isn't really working? What if…the “ifs” go on and on?

There’s another option and it involves trust. Jim asked, “How are you?” Nancy replied, “Okay, under the circumstances.” Jim responded, “Well, what are you doing under there?” When we choose to trust, we’re choosing not to go under the circumstances. We’re choosing to trust a loving God that loves our little one even more than we love them. We’re yielding to the loving God that gave us our precious treasure from the beginning.

If our child gets sick, we provide care and love, but we trust God with the outcome. If our child doesn't wake, we trust that a loving God is holding our precious child in His arms. If the baby monitor isn't working, we trust our loving God is listening and monitoring along the way. We simply trust.

So, we need to let our child sleep and rest. And we need to rest too. We need to be reminded that when we’re rested, we’re our best for our kids. We need chill time. We need to let go and let God be God. We need to let go of control.

One day, the naps will be replaced by other activities. They will be events that we can jump in the middle of and try to control. But again, we need to let our kids be on their own, making their own choices. We don't need to be about manipulating them to make choices for us. Sure, we’re there for them, but we need to let go and let God.

So, enjoy the naptime. Be sure and rest and take the time to relax.

Let your child sleep, turn up that monitor and maybe even take a nap yourself!!

By Eric Joseph Staples ©
www.parentingyourteen101.com