Accidental Naps (11/15/2023)

We call them “accidental naps.” They aren’t planned; they just happen. One minute I’m deep into a movie with me in my chair and my husband in his. We talk during the commercials and then return to our quiet mode when the movie resumes. And then suddenly, when it’s time to talk again, my husband finds me unresponsive. And he understands; a nap accidentally occurred.

When I was younger and before chemo, the energizer bunny had a picture of me in his locker. Fatigue was not part of my vocabulary let alone my life. But then life happened, and happened, and happened. And now I find myself the target of “accidental naps.” They are unplanned. They just happen. Perhaps it’s because I’m tired. Perhaps it’s because my chair is too comfortable. Perhaps it’s because time with my husband is too relaxing. We haven’t nailed the exact cause; we just know they happen with great frequency.

Life brings us many changes we don’t expect let alone order up prayerfully. Many of them are blessings we receive without merit. Others are challenges we’d like to be able to forgo. But life is what it is; unique to each of us with both blessings and challenges. Our tasks, regardless of where we are on the journey, is to adapt to that which we cannot change, seek the LORD’s help in picking up our cross daily which changes along the way, and being there for others who are also carrying their own crosses.

Last night as I stirred in my chair, opened my eyes, and turned to my husband, I found him smiling at me. “Another accident?” he asked. I smiled and nodded my head. And then he got me caught up on what I’d missed. He’s good about that, accepting me as I am today, caring about my having a tomorrow. I am blessed.

As we continue on our way, striving ever so hard and faithfully to do our best, to be our best, let us be compassionate toward those who share the journey with us, understanding that they are trying as hard as we are. Let us support one another along the way knowing that each of us deal with our own challenges. And let us gratefully receive the support of others who do understand and who do care about us. Christ understood this on His journey with the disciples; He loved the disciples even though they were not perfect all the while trying to give them what they needed to become the ones they were called to be.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.