We were together in the class when I felt I wasn't comfortable on the bench and had to go and sleep on his bed at his shop. It was in the breaking of the morning. He was still lying on the bench sleeping when I woke up. Did we sleep in the class through the night? Yes, that is the usual act for most students in their school unlike mine. But why? Let me solve the puzzle.
I went to pay him a visit in his school - FUTA, just for a few days before heading home for a function. Although that was not my first in FUTA, but where he lived was quite far from the West Gate unlike the first person I stayed with for a few days when I sat for UTME at FUTA as at 2017. I wasn't prepared for her standard and so I couldn't meet the cutoff. Since I didn't want to stay at home for another year and I wanted no other course than Mechanical Engineering, I had to seek for admission at the then close OSUSTECH (now OAUSTECH) - a state university. Without minding every challenge and the cost, I accepted my fate as what God wants for a particular purpose.
He was my senior at secondary school and my predecessor at our fellowship (HHOFF) then, before he graduated. Since the time I graduated, we often meet for one function or the other at the school and at times, we crossed paths once in a blue moon. Since we were both living in the same town and state - Ado Ekiti, I've not visited him since he gained admission to FUTA, despite traveling through Akure to and fro home and school. So, I decided to make it up to him this time around. He had his own computer center - "Grace Tech. Computers", which was near the school but far from home.
That was why he often times sleeps at school or his shop after working tirelessly to meet his customers' deadlines. I also observed that as a result of studying all night, students often stay in the class overnight aside the normal night classes. Even though, they were in their holidays, it wasn't normal for me because there isn't night class at my school due to the power failure in the town (Okitipupa) generally for over five years now. Since there was standby power supply at FUTA, I see no reason why a student wouldn't burn all night for an outstanding academic performance or excellent results in any business or work.
Well, we don't have this privilege in my school, yet we still toil to badge first class and stand out academically, imagine. I dozzed off before him that night because he was busy in his graphic design work. On waking up, I saw him lying down, sleeping on the bench. Before I knew it, we were in the morning, around 4 or 5am. Since he had a student bed in his shop, I rose up to leave. After taking my bag and unplugging my phone, I move close to him and tapped him. He was though still dizzy but rose up his head to pay attention. He asked if I was with the key and I affirmed positively. I never knew it was the key to his house I had with me.
II
The night before then, I had read a book that was recommended by my mentor - Dr. Toyin Obafemi on Time Management "Shave Off 10 Hours Off Your Workweek" by Michael Hyatt and a part of the book talked about the need to (and benefits of) exercise. I was supposed to walk home after leaving the class but I decided to jogg because it has been a long time I did so. I wanted to apply the principles in the book and confirm the results.
After jogging for that long distance to his shop, Alas, it was the wrong key. In order not to waste time and quench the urge to sleep, I had just been chased by an angry barking dog. I opened the shop, closed the door behind, prepared the bed and laid down sweating. It was after waking up from my sound sleep for hours that I realized what exercise really does to the body. Why then are people even youths not paying attention to it once they don't find themselves in a system that forces them to do it like school?
Some believers nowadays tend to be too spiritual and in so doing neglect the efficacy of some activities like rest/sleep, food, exercise, massage etc. They'd say they don't need it, all they needed to do with their body is spiritual exercises like prayer. Some would just wake up, observe quiet times/devotions, go to school or work and after the days stress and activities, retire to bed very tired or weak (some even finds it difficult to sleep for long) and perhaps find it difficult to pray in the midnight.
Did the Bible despise this? No,, but the Bible never said bodily exercises have no profit. Apostle Paul knew the benefit of exercise and he said it profits a little. Why? He wasn't despising it but proffering godliness (spiritual training) more because it profits now and forever. Prayer walk not just your prayer position in the place of prayer is not enough to engage yourself in bodily exercise. Your body, it's lifespan and productivity naturally depends on how you pay attention to those things that are meant to turn it on and keep it in check such as food, sleep/rest, exercise etc.
If physical exercises helps you to loose or control your weight; reduce risk of heart diseases; help manage blood sugar, insulin levels; improve mental health and mood; help keep thinking, learning and judgement skills sharp as the age; strengthen bones and muscles, reduce risk of cancers, falls; improve sleep, sexual health and chances of living longer etc; how much more spiritual exercises?
Apostle Paul said in 1Tim 4:8 - AMP:For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.
MSB:Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.
While you engage in physical exercise for the body and soul, engage more in spiritual exercise for the sake of your soul and spirit. But here lies the balance. Just like you can't say you are spiritual and stop eating, sleeping, working etc even though you fast, you know what happens to your body. Even Jesus didn't try "not eating, sleeping, etc at all". Know how to balance things. Even though you are not of this world, remember you still live in it. Much more, live it to pleasing God with your spirit, soul and body because when your decays, you keep living on eternally with God.
Take care of your body but much more, take care of your soul and spirit the most. 3John.1.2 (AMP) - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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