An Afternoon Rest
Traveling to Iran fresh out of college, it was hard to get used to “nap time.” Afternoon naps were not part of how I grew up.
In Iran from about noon to four pm shops close. When I was first in the country, I would head out to the store to but groceries, just to find the shops closed. Then if I needed a taxi, good luck. Many of the taxi drivers had pulled off to the side of the street and were “napping” peacefully in the shade of some tree. I figured it would not be a good idea to go over and wake them up. Even offices close and the children head home from school.
With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, during the heat of the day, I finally began to get it. Air conditioning was unheard of while I was there in the 70’s. At night the family would often sleep under the stars in their enclosed courtyard, to avoid the heat in their homes. All the time I was in Iran I never remember being bit by or even seeing a mosquito. I am sure they were found somewhere there, but not where I was.
There is a rest that we all hope for. That is resting in the arms of Jesus in heaven for eternity. While on earth we face many a “hard day” on our journey. We need to find that shade tree to rest under. Jesus is our resting place.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
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