My stomach growled as I headed into the bakery, the fresh-baked bread smell rushing past me. Heading to the counter, I smiled at the clerk, and reached into my pocket.

“I’m here for a loaf of Care—I have a coupon.”

The clerk eyed it lazily and read: “For independently accomplishing the goals set out before them, this entitles the bearer to one loaf of Care”. She tossed the coupon into the till and handed me the disclaimer. Nodding towards the bread behind her, she said, “We’ve had a run on these today. Let me see what we’ve got left.” She pawed through the shelves of loaves. “Let’s see… there’s one—lucky for you.” Hefting the black, crusty loaf with both hands, she exclaimed, “Wow—I’ll never get over how heavy these loaves are!”

“Thanks,” I said. “They may be heavy, but they sure are good! Ever tried one?”


“Naw,” she answered. “I don’t get it--It doesn’t look appetizing to me at all. I’m partial to that loaf of Idleness,” gesturing to some puffy, airy-looking bread. “Oh, Miss, don’t forget your…” but I was already in the car, tearing off a dry chunk and stuffing it in my mouth. The bite quickly settled in my stomach like a weight.

Back inside, the clerk shrugged and idly read the forgotten disclaimer: “Caution: This loaf may cause needless anxiety, care, and sleeplessness. Please limit your intake. May be habit-forming.”

So, what is wrong with staying up late or getting up early to work? With apologies to those who thought they might get to bed earlier tonight--nothing. The problem is in depending on ourselves for the success that comes from staying up late, or getting up early; when we “rob our sleep to pay our cares” (M Henry). As we needlessly weary our mind and bodies by dependence upon our own success rather than on the blessing of God, we might as well be eating a loaf of care.

Psalm 127:2