Let Him Sleep

Friends and family gathered. 

Playing games, laughing, talking.

Kids running everywhere.

TV blaring the football game. 

The meal is over. 

The kitchen is being cleaned. 

And dad is reclined. 

Passed out. Snoozing. 

Let him sleep. 

It’s not low blood sugar. Or exhaustion from Christmas prep. Although both could be contributing factors. 

He’s not disengaged or shirking responsibility. 

It’s likely something different. 

Relief. 

Moms do 99.9999% of the work that make Christmas happen. Wrapping, shopping, planning, decorating. They create memorable Christmases for their kids - and everyone else. They deserve the credit for making things happen. 

For dads, their contribution is unseen. Often unspoken. Mostly happening in the background. A mental load. All year there’s an undercurrent running through his brain. It’s a soundtrack of work, improve, fix, and help.  

That’s because ultimately, it’s a dad’s duty to protect, provide for, and lead his family. 

And a big holiday like Christmas can provide some of the only evidence of his effort. 

Everyone is under one roof. They’re warm. Cared for.

Everyone has gifts to open. 

Everyone has full bellies. 

Maybe it’s just for the holidays, but everyone is getting along. 

And for dad . . .

There’s only peace. 

His job is done. 

All the behind the scenes work is done. 

He and his beautiful help mate, by the grace of God, have made it another memorable holiday. 

He’s experiencing relief and peace in a way he likely can’t verbalize or even pinpoint. 

Let him unclench. 

Let him breathe. 

Let him sleep. 

Merry Christmas. 

Lead
Proverbs Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Provide
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8

Protect
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26