A LITTLE SLEEP

A Deep Thoughts Devotional Story
© Opeyemi Akintunde
As Inspired by the LIVING WORD

Chioma was gifted.
Not average. Not ordinary. Gifted.

Her hands could transform rough hair into beauty. Her styles lasted long, neat and unique. People traveled from nearby streets just to sit on her salon chair.

But Chioma had a weakness, she loved comfort more than consistency.

She opened her shop when she felt like it.
Closed when she felt tired.
Showed up late.
Sometimes didn’t show up at all.

Her customers complained, but endured it because of her skill.

Then one day, a small salon opened beside hers.

Monica had just moved into the area. An orphan. Quiet. Determined. She learned hairdressing from her grandmother. She wasn’t as skilled as Chioma not even close.

People tried her out of curiosity. They were disappointed. Many returned to Chioma.

But there was something different about Monica.
She was always there.

Rain or shine.
Busy or empty.
She opened daily and practiced tirelessly braiding on mannequins, watching tutorials, correcting her mistakes.

One afternoon at the public tap, some women discussed their frustration.

“Chioma is too lazy,” one said.
“Yes, but Monica is hardworking,” another added.
“If only she had more skill,” Mrs. Haruna sighed.

After some thought, the women made a decision. They contributed money and handed Monica ₦100,000 to go for advanced training. They advised her to shut down for six months and improve herself.

Monica wept with gratitude. She closed her shop and left.

Chioma noticed but didn’t think much of it. She continued her irregular lifestyle, assuming talent would always carry her.

Six months later, Monica returned transformed.

Her skills were sharper. Her confidence stronger. She even came back with two trained colleagues to support her growing clientele.

Within weeks, the entire neighborhood shifted.
Consistency met skill and excellence exploded.

Chioma watched helplessly as her customers disappeared.

Two months later, the once sought-after stylist struggled to feed herself.

What happened?

Nothing dramatic.
Just a little sleep.
A little delay.
A little carelessness.

Talent without discipline is temporary.
Gift without consistency expires.

There is a time to rest and there is a time to work.
Confusing the two can cost you destiny opportunities.

Laziness rarely ruins a person overnight.
It erodes them gradually.

When it is time to build, don’t choose comfort.
When it is time to move, don’t choose delay.

A little sleep can cost a lot.

KEY SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 24:33–34 –
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief…”

PRAYER POINTS:

Lord, deliver me from the spirit of laziness and inconsistency.

Father, give me discipline to maximize the gifts You have placed in me.

Lord, help me discern the right time to work and the right time to rest.

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✍️ DEEP THOUGHTS DEVOTIONALS
Inspired by the TRUTH REVEALER
Written by Opeyemi Akintunde
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