The Benefit of Just One Night Away

The Benefit of Just One Night Away

I’m not sure what made me remember this. Maybe because I have been dealing with work-related stress lately, but I remembered a time when I just needed one night away.

This happened a lot of years ago. My children were two and four years old, and I was a single parent. Perhaps some of you can identify with the fact that I cried every day. I often felt like a total failure as a parent and as a human being. And I was so, so tired.

I talked about it to an older relative, because honestly, I felt guilty. He advised, “Bev, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.”

Yes, I loved my children beyond words, as I still do, and I did go to church and prayed a lot, but at the time, it seemed too hard to even form a thought to pray. It occurred to me that I needed a night away–just one night away. I found a sitter and made my plans. There was not a lot of money in my account, but my needs were simple: I wanted to take a bath without anyone pounding on the door and calling, “Mama”; I wanted to watch something on television that was not animated or geared toward people under twelve; and I wanted to eat a whole KitKat bar and not have to share it with anyone.

That was it! I dropped the children off at the sitter’s at 6:00 p.m. (after dinner) and drove the forty-or-so minutes to Birmingham. I checked into a Holiday Inn for the night. During the course of the evening, I took a long, hot bath, I ate a whole KitKat bar, and I fell asleep watching Law and Order. The next morning, I checked out of the hotel, grabbed a donut and cup of coffee which I consumed in the car, and drove a couple of blocks to the mall. For about an hour, I window-shopped–didn’t buy a thing. I walked, and I talked to Jesus. Then I drove home.

Returning to Anniston, I felt like a new person. I was relaxed and happy, just like my normal, old self. It was good to see my children. They hugged me as though I had been gone for a week. Just one night away changed my attitude.

Being a parent is a hard job–probably the hardest there is. It is impossible to do a job well if one is stressed and exhausted. I learned that it’s better to take a small “spiritual health break” in those moments than to let things escalate. Rest is important to one’s daily walk, both physical and spiritual. Many Christians today don’t appreciate its value.

It renews our strength.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

God bless you and give you rest.