Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
What do Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream, Cisco, Facebook, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, and Samsung all have in common? Of course, they are all large, very successful companies. But they have something else in common that may surprise you. They all allow their employees to take naps while at work. Some even have special rooms and sleeping pods so their employees can sleep more comfortably.
A few years ago, companies allowing, and even encouraging, workers to take a nap while “on the clock” would have been unheard of. It would have been a sign of laziness. But it is becoming more common. Why has this change of thinking occurred? Well, it’s not because the CEOs and Boards of Directors are just being nice! It’s because the benefits of a little “sleeping on the job” are becoming clear: refreshed concentration, better memory, increased creativity, improved reaction time, enhanced logical reasoning, better moods, less impulsive, greater tolerance for on-the-job frustration, and reduced burnouts. In short, power naps provide measurable benefits to job performance.
Last Sunday, in our study of Ps. 23, we considered how the Lord our Shepherd provides us with rest for He makes us “lie down in green pastures.” While this can relate to physical rest, more importantly it has to do with a rest of the soul. The more we nurture our relationship with God, the more we come to know Him as our faithful Good Shepherd who desires good for us, the more we are able to trust Him through all the circumstances of life. A deep since of peace fills our hearts. Worry and anxiety are dispelled.
Most of us live very busy lives, and we may find it challenging to take some time to pull away from life’s demands and nurture our relationship with God. But like employees of these major companies, as we “lie down in green pastures,” that is, as we regularly spend time with the Lord, nourishing our spirits on the wonder of God, His greatness, His love, and His faithfulness, our souls will be refreshed and we will live each day with greater confidence in the Lord for whatever we are facing, and with deeper joy as well.
Jesus said in Mt. 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob