John Stott, the Napper

I recently read Portraits of a Radical Disciple a wonderful collection of reflections on the life of John Stott, an Anglican pastor and international Evangelical leader who passed away in 2011 at the age of 90. I found so many areas in which to admire and strive to imitate Stott:

  • He was an incredible preacher of God’s Word
  • He authored over 50 books including The Cross of Christ and Basic Christianity.
  • He drafted the Lausanne Covenant, giving voice to non-western leaders like Rene Padilla and Samuel Escobar, together awakening evangelicals to the call to both preach the gospel and serve the poor and fight for justice.
  • He fought for unity in the church and forged many partnerships across denominational lines and to connect the church in the west to the church in the global south.
  • He was an avid ornithologist.
  • He intentionally mentored hundreds of younger men and women across the world: writing to them in letters, buying books for them, supporting them through his foundation and book sales, praying for them, and visiting them on his travels.

What I was most impacted by, however, was his disciplined daily life, including his daily nap. Here is his daily regimen:

  • 5am: study and prayer
  • 8am: a big breakfast
  • 12pm: lunch with housemates and friends (he was a lifelong celibate and very intentional about fostering community)
  • 1pm: 30 minute nap
  • (no later than) 10pm: Bed

As someone who regularly skips meals (and not usually because I’m fasting), stays up too late, generally does not get enough sleep, and does not exercise enough, I realized that I was limiting my own effectiveness. For years I have skipped meals and sleep thinking that I don’t have time for them with all of the things I need to get done. Yet I doubt Stott could have maintained his ministry while living an unhealthy life.

When I played baseball, I took my daily routine and diet—especially on game days—very seriously. I prepared my body so I could give everything when it counted. I want to have that same attitude so that I could give myself to my family and church day in and day out for the span of my life. Practicing Sabbath this past year has been a big part of that. This Lent, I joked that my discipline was not fasting, but making sure to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. I’ve discovered the joys of fried eggs (over easy) and make, freeze, and reheat egg sandwiches. With warmer weather, I’m now riding my bike to work again and trying to play more tennis. Overall, I’ve been doing better.

My next challenge is to try and work a 30 minute nap into my daily routine. Stott isn’t the only successful person who believed in napping and its many benefits. I’m a pretty novice napper (unlike my father-in-law Matt—note the pillow in the backseat of his car), so I’m wondering, “How do I nap at work?” I know it will help me be more focused, more energized, and more productive, but won’t it just look like I’m tired and slacking? Do any of you experienced nappers have any tips or tricks of the trade?

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