After the Turkey- Full and Blue

"When you lie down you will not be afraid; you shall lie down and your sleep shall indeed be sweet."
(Proverbs 3:24) 
"In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  (Psalm 4:8)

One part of Thanksgiving tradition is the Thanksgiving nap.  Some say it is caused by the turkey's extra tryptophan which creates melatonin which sinks us into sleep.  Others say it is the dressing/stuffing and deserts full of high carbs and sugars.  Others say it might be that glass of wine or spirits that some sip on special occasions.  But there is also an emotional and spiritual side of it.  We get up, get a bit excited and anxious about seeing the relatives- some of whom we need to forgive- some of whom rub us the wrong way.  After high excitement or stress, our bodies want to rest- take a breath- take a break.  
     There are lots of examples of that in the Bible.  Adam fell into a deep sleep ("caused by the Lord") after tending the garden.  Saul fell asleep chasing after David.  Elijah had a great celebration with a triumph over the prophets of Baal- then he ran basically a marathon and he fell asleep exhausted (and even depressed).  Jesus fell asleep in the boat after dealing with the crowds and the excitement of calling his disciples to follow Him.  There was even a storm and the disciples thought they would drown, but Jesus still remained asleep.  Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves.  
      Jesus could sleep anywhere.  He could also stay awake all night praying.  There is a certain security and peace found in knowing God is always awake guarding us.  Our sleep can be sweet because we know God watches over us.  
     The other side of eating a lot is a slow metabolism, and often a blue/ depression feeling.  Everyone went back home- the college kids went back or found their friends- we will miss them.  Or everyone went back home- and we are relieved and can let go a bit.  Some handle their depression by shopping.  Shopping can give you some energy- and keep you from missing those folks quite as much- as you are buying them presents.  Retailers have long known this- so the big sales are on Friday- and in case the relatives are still there- you can buy on online Monday. Others sit and watch movies or just sleep more.  
     One thing Christians might consider is looking out for their neighbors who are alone- after their people have left, and showing them concern or love.  A visit to the nursing home folk is great.  Writing cards- thank you notes- or Christmas cards is a good tradition too.  Exercise is a great tool to work off some of those extra cards- a walk on a cooler day is a good thing for the emotional and spiritual heart.  Prayer to God for those who you saw or you missed is always a good thing.  

Prayer: Lord, we know we should give thanks to you more than just one day.  Yet, thanks for one day to stop, count blessings, see friends or loved ones, and to catch our breath.  Strengthen my heart today to do something for others out of the love for neighbor that you inspire in my heart.  

Turkey nap- 93.7