We’re getting ready to watch the Final Four, but this week we reflect on the journeys that each team has been on to reach this destination. What did they go through? How did they get here? What was their key to success?
Jeff Greer, a writer for The Athletic, explained Virginia's secret in his article titled, “The Secret to Virginia’s Final Four Run? A Good Night’s Sleep.”
How interesting is that? Of course, having veteran players, strong coaching, and a stout defense helps, but they’ve also put an emphasis on being well-rested.
Coach Tony Bennett, along with his team's strength and conditioning coach, Mike Curtis, and their athletic trainer, Ethan Saliba, implemented a plan that encourages the players to rest, recover, and sleep more.
Greer writes, “…the trio has persuaded the players of the critical value of one aspect of recovery, dedicating themselves to a good night’s rest, no matter the challenges in front of them and the distractions around them.”
Strength and conditioning coach Mike Curtis told The Athletic, “We know that regularly getting eight to ten hours of sleep is better for recovery. We educate them on how to create a better environment for that. As a student-athlete, it becomes difficult because you have studying and everything else, but part of the process is educating them on how to better organize their schedules and make sleep and rest a priority.”
When you consider the success of Virginia's program in recent years, including four ACC regular-season titles and their first Final Four in 35 years, the regiment makes sense.
These basketball players show the value of getting enough sleep, so why don't we follow suit? Why do most of us stay so busy and feel so tired that we can barely get through the day without enough coffee running through our veins?
Instead of sacrificing our hours at work or time with our family or watching games, we cut out sleep by staying up late and getting out of bed early.
However, the Bible convicts us in Psalm 127:2 that we don't need to be so busy doing: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for He grants sleep to those he loves.”
There's no question that there are seasons of life where sleep is interrupted or a good night’s rest is tough to come by. My wife is pregnant right now and we’re already experiencing the challenges!
But beyond certain circumstances, I think in general we need to shift our perspective and recognize the value of sleep - especially for our spiritual lives.
When we’re busy or tired it leads to even more worry and stress. We’re not giving our best because we're not living from a place of rest. We need enough sleep to be energized, filled with passion, alert, and productive.
Sleep and rest are actually made possible from a place of faith because when we believe God will take care of things and we let go of the pressure to accomplish everything ourselves, we can go to bed.
I love this story in Matthew 8:24-26 (NLT) about the disciples on a boat: "Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, 'Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!'
"Jesus responded, 'Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!' Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.”
So, if Jesus found time to sleep...and Virginia is making it a priority on their way to the Final Four, we should also consider the importance of being refueled. Today, let's make an effort to serve God with energy!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know my soul is at rest when I’m surrendered to Jesus. Please help me to also place an importance on physical rest, so I can be fully used by You for Your purposes and glory. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Comments