Sleeping With The Devil

I'll admit it. My eternal residence could very well end up being on the warm side. It's another weekend,and I always look forward to the break. A day to not get up so early. Breakfast (which I don't get during the week)! Time to work on projects. Maybe a drive or recreational activity. Time to catch up on reading. Maybe a nap. And church.

The problem I often have is the combining of the last two activities. Make no mistake, I love going to church. It's uplifting, spiritually refreshing and friendship renewing. I just don't make it through all the time. I don't think I'm alone. (Glance up at the stand sometime and you'll see what I mean)

If you're like most people, the mere thought of sitting through a lengthy church service is enough to make you want to curl up and take a nap. But fear not, my friends! With a few simple tricks, you can stay awake and alert throughout the entire service.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: sleep. You're not going to stay awake in church if you're sleep-deprived, so make sure to get a good night's sleep beforehand. That means no all-night Netflix binges, even binging The Chosen all night (that doesn't count as church) or midnight snack runs.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about posture. Sitting up straight may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people slouch their way through church. Sit up, head held high, and take deep breaths to keep your energy levels up.

Another trick is to stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the service. Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and tired, so make sure to drink up.

Taking notes is another great way to stay engaged and alert. Jot down key points from the sermon, write down any questions that come to mind, or doodle in the margins if that's your thing.

Participating in the service can also help you stay focused. Sing along with the hymns, recite prayers, and actively listen to the sermon. You might even find yourself enjoying it! Funny, the people sitting around me don't seem to enjoy my singing.

And if all else fails, take a break. Excuse yourself to use the restroom, stretch your legs, or grab a quick snack. Just make sure to come back before the service ends, or you might find yourself in hot water...or someplace even hotter!

So there you have it, my friends. With a little bit of effort and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can stay awake and engaged throughout even the longest of church services. And who knows, you might even find your way to heaven!