Listen

“When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the groom! Come out to meet him.’

“Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out.’”

Matthew 25:5-8

Think

Perhaps by this point in the story, you’re getting the impression that the wise bridesmaids are the ones who are being held up as a positive example. I think it’s important, then, to realize that even these wise bridesmaids are included in the statement, “they all became drowsy and went to sleep” (Matthew 25:5).

What a useful reminder! Even the wisest among us are still human. Even the wisest among us still get tired. Even the wisest among us need to tend to our weary bodies.

As you strive to become someone who is ready to meet God or meet the needs of others, remember that you, too, will have needs – like sleep! Don’t let this be a source of shame.

Megan McDermott

Pray

Creator of my body, heart, and mind, you have made me capable of so many things, but I know that my energy isn’t infinite. Teach me to find rest when I need it. Let me rest in you. Amen.

Go

Are you ready to love? Serve? Give? To seek joy in tough moments?

Go, and find out.