I do not regret my sleeping patterns, yet I have a subconscious guilt about the hours I spend unconscious. Where is the line between slothfulness and sufficient satisfaction? It can vary from person to person. I heard of Charles Wesley's short hours of sleep, and in the selfsame article when cursorily confirming the exact hours, I uncovered this:
“A remarkable feature
in Mr. Wesley's character, was his placability. Having an active,
penetrating mind, his temper was naturally quick, and even tending
to sharpness. The influence of religion, and the constant habit of
patient thinking, had in a great measure, corrected this disposition.
In general he preserved an air of sedateness and tranquility, which
formed a striking contrast to the liveliness conspicuous in all his
actions. Persecution, abuse, and injury, he bore from strangers, not
only without anger, but without any apparent emotion; and what he
said of himself was strictly true, that he had a great facility in
forgiving injuries. No man was ever more free from jealousy or suspicion
that Mr. Wesley, or laid himself more open to the impositions of others.
Though his confidence was often abused, and circumstances sometimes
took place which would have made almost any other man suspicious,
yet he suspected no one; nor was it easy to convince him that any
one had intentionally deceived him; and when facts had demonstrated
that this was actually the case, he would allow no more than that
it was so in that single instance. If the person acknowledged his
fault, he believed him sincere, and would trust him again.” (Pulled from http://www.goforthall.org/articles/jw_bio.html).
Fascinating fellow, I need to learn that knack of patience and placability with people. It was a joint effort, in compliance to the service of his Savior, but I should pursue that discipline as well. To accept criticism and not aggressively defend my honest faults.
"Mr. Wesley was a most
pertinacious adherent of the English establishment, and never dreamed
of attempting the salvation of souls by preaching the gospel outside
her church walls, until he was ruthlessly expelled from all her pulpits." (As above cited).
It appears that he did not seek the path that led him to where he ended up, but chose the avenue by the process of the elimination of other means. It reminds me of someone else in my life, who knew that something must be changed, but hadn't a clear vision on how, but a confidence in why they had to do it.
But this was the reason behind my initial inquiry:
"It may be asked, how was
he able to accomplish so much? He improved every moment of every day
to the very best advantage.
John Fletcher, who for
some time was his traveling companion, says: “His diligence is
matchless. Though oppressed with the weight of seventy years, and
care of more than thirty thousand souls, he shames still, by his unabated
zeal and immense labors, all young ministers of England, perhaps Christendom.
He has generally blown the gospel trumpet and rode twenty miles before
most of the professors, who despise his labors, have left their downy
pillows. As he begins the day, the week, the year, so he concludes
them, still intent upon extensive services for the glory of the Redeemer
and the good of souls.”
In order to save time
he, in the first place, ascertained how much sleep he needed; and
when once settled, he never varied from it to the end of life. He
arose at four o'clock in the morning, and retired at ten in the evening,
never losing at any time, he says, ten minutes by wakefulness. The
first hour of each day was devoted to private devotions; then every
succeeding hour and moment were employed in earnest labor. His motto
was, “Always in haste, but never in a hurry.” “I have,”
he says, “no time to be in a hurry. Leisure and I have taken
leave of each other.” (As above cited).
This is another tack for which I need reminding. To use every second, making it work for me. Excellence is not easy to attain. I need to aspire to greater levels rather than worry about the one on which I am on now. Thank you Lord, for your many servants, for the examples that they left, the testimonies of Your children's love for you. Let me not despise rest though, for You grant us that gift as well. Let me know moderation and the joy of life in all you have to offer.
