(Authors note; I know that I promised some time ago to publish this soon but…..you guessed it…..every time I started to write I fell asleep…)

I’ve learned a lot over the years from Jack and Colby Chedder, our two little Shitzues (and it is pronounced sheeet-zu by the way. They are eminently dignified little doggies whose owners are given to sympathetic embarrassment when any member of the family is associated with a four letter word, particularly one rarely used in an ecclesiastical environment).* Things like; never wait to use the bathroom, bark first and ask questions later, do not hesitate to greet visitors, (especially when they are making a delivery), and most important, napping is more than just a recreational opportunity, it can be a lifestyle.

Their cardinal rule is “never miss an opportunity for a good nap”, no matter how long or short it may be.

In fact the term “nap” can be further discected into sub categories.

There is the nano-nap. A short burst of sleep, like when my dad would fall asleep while watching a golf tournament on TV. A wholly informal and decidedly uncomfortable experience. A kind of “nap by surprise” in which you never anticipated falling asleep, but you did. This can happen In the most unlikely places…while getting a haircut, during almost any classical music event, or while a public speaker drones on and on.

A specific subcategory of the nano-nap, one that may be termed the “Homiletic Slumber”, occurs during the preaching of a sermon and is directly proportionate to the length of the homiletic endeavor. Not to be confused with horizontal meditation, this is a distinctly non religious experience, probably induced by the hypnotic tones of clerics who profess a particular fondness for the sound of their own voice. The cardinal rule of this type of nap is “Thou shalt not snore”

At the other end of the spectrum is the all out, unfettered afternoon nap. Uninhibited and unencumbered by conventional decorum, this is a “no holds barred” “go for broke” napping extravaganza in which daytime clothing is cast aside, the curtains are drawn and the covers pulled back. A kind of “total immersion” nap. The telltale sign of which is the question “What time is it? when you first wake up, because you really don’t know; it may be day or night.

Naps can further be classified by weight.

The light weight nap is transitory by nature, of shorter duration and involves less personal commitment.

On the other hand, the heavy weight nap is more of a professional grade, serious, and …..well… heavy….experience. One must feel secure and removed from the vulgar gaze of the public for the heavy weight variety. To quote the marriage service, it must be entered into

“Deliberately, reverently, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God”

Which brings me to the theological, or for those who have rejected “Organized Religion” (which is really a misnomer, because if you are truly involved with it, you know how Un-organized the church really is), spiritual aspect of this endeavor.

Napping is a gift from God. Is not the Sabbath rest based on the 7th day of Creation really a Divine nap? Is not the Commandment to “keep the Sabbath” nothing less than a Godly admonition, which, properly translated should be “thou shalt nap” on a regular basis.

As with any Charism, (again, quoting the Rite of Holy Matrimony) Napping should be “loved, cherished, honored, and kept”. It must be embraced as an additional sacrament; an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given as a sure and certain means by which we receive that Grace.

Therefore, as with all spiritual gifts, napping must be practiced and developed.

Imagine what the world would be like if we initiated a universal practice of societal napping. Following the precedent of the long established “Siesta”,we could set aside an hour (or two) for a post lunch nap. Offices, businesses, schools and, most important, sate and federal legislatures, courts and chief executives would be free for a guilt free nap.

Just imagine how this could change politics as we know it.

Every parent knows that children become cranky when they need a nap. Maybe this is what our country needs most. Maybe this is why Donald Trump tweets in the middle of the night…he, and other elected leaders are cranky because they need a nap.

I think I may be on to something here… a radical twist on the old saying “politics produces strange bed fellows”. This could become a movement. Instead of a demonstration, or “walk out” we could stage a “sleep in”. We could recognize napping as a right, rather than a privilege.

Or….we could lead by example….sweet dreams to you all.

*Colby has his own Facebook page. He posts irregularly, but his offerings are always insightful. You can search for him at;

Colby Chedder

Occupation; Companion and emotional support

Works for; Neighborhood Watch

Relationships; It’s complicated.

Jack on the other hand is more of a passive observer.