Eight hours before Alabama

Living Lesson: Eight Hours Before Alabama

By: Christopher Wiles

Growing up in Tennessee, you gain extra insight into country music, whether you want it or not.  Months or even years after you've heard some of these catchy tunes they may resurface from your subconscious at some of the strangest moments.

As I woke this morning, the recording hit "I'm in a Hurry" by Alabama came to mind. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:
"Oh I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why."

While I have some theological differences with this chorus, the lyrics do make a very valuable point.  I'm rushing a bit too much.  For instance, last night was the first night I can remember in a long time when I purposefully set my alarm to get 8 hours of sleep.  That could be because I haven't been getting 8 hours in a while or my sleep deprived memory can't remember even the recent past.

Many of you talk about similar experiences.  I'm convinced this sleep loss cycle comes from bad habits, poor priorities, self-centeredness, and a poor view of God's gifts.  Consider the nature of sleep from the Bible in Psalm 127:2, "It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep."

Did you notice that you are gifted by God in your sleep?  Did you notice that He does this during your sleep because you are His beloved?  Did you notice that hours and hours and hours of regular extra painful toil and work is in vain? 

The country music band Alabama may not know why they are in a hurry, but I do know why I am.  I also know what to do about it.  It's time to (once again) regain control of my schedule according to Biblical principals.  I'm starting by setting my alarm for eight more hours of sleep tonight.  What about you?