During this season of Lent, I am following in the footsteps of Jesus and taking naps. I’m taking cat naps; I am catching a few winks.

I am giving up the grind, the hustle and bustle of America’s capitalistic system. If it thrives on my hyper- productivity, then it will die quickly. I’m hitting the snooze button and following the Christ who takes power naps on boats.

I am choosing to be rocked to sleep by the overwhelming realities of life that no longer come in waves. It’s just overwhelming all the time.

I am choosing to close my eyes completely. I refuse to sleep with one eye open, to keep watch or to watch the clock. Yes, I know there is cause for alarm, but I am going back to sleep.

I am praising God with arms stretched and a mouth wide open yawning in my most comfortable pajamas.

I am choosing to halt all production. No multi- tasking, I will only do as much as I can and no more. And I mean, no more. Don’t ask so that I won’t have to tell you “No” again.

And in doing so, I am choosing contentment, to be satisfied with who I am and what I have right now. I am settling down. I’ve done enough and I am enough.

I don’t have to do or say or be anything more. I am pushing back on demands and expectations of time and energy. I am creating a boundary that saves both things for me.

I am choosing not to be consumed with work but to taste and see for myself that my life is good—without adding another thing to the list.

I am resisting by slowing down, by stretching time and space out, by dragging things out and extending what will be my fondest memories.

Following Jesus during a pandemic has been exhausting. The needs of those we are in relationship with don’t stop coming.

But I need to take a break, to find a safe space on the side of this straight and narrow path to stretch my legs and relax. I’m going to get comfortable and lay under a tree to feel the cool of the breeze.

You can go with me but there is absolutely no talking—unless you are talking in your sleep. This Lenten season, I hope to see you in my dreams.