Now God gives sleep not only to girls and boys but to all of his
creatures. Do you know how some of those creatures sleep? I will tell
you. Elephants and horses commonly sleep standing up. How would you like
to hear your mother say to you, "Robert, it's time to go to bed, stand
in the corner there and sleep." Most birds sleep with the head turned
toward the tail and the beak poked in under the feathers. Storks, gulls
and all other long-legged birds sleep standing on one leg. It would be
more difficult to sleep that way than just standing in the corner,
wouldn't it? The fox and the wolf sleep with the tip of the nose and the
soles of the feet close together, and the big, bushy tail covering all
to keep them warm. Owls sleep in the daytime. They have eyelids, and
over the eyelids, curtains. These curtains are drawn across the eyes,
sideways, and keep out the strong light of the day. Hares, snakes and
fish sleep with their eyes open.

Why does God give us sleep? Is it for the pleasure of sleeping? No. He
gives us sleep that our bodies and minds may be refreshed. The strength
we have expended during the day is repaid us in the sleep of the night.
Be grateful to your heavenly Father when to-night you kneel to pray:

"Now I lay me down to sleep."

MEMORY VERSE, _Psalm_ 127: 2
"So he giveth his beloved sleep."

MEMORY HYMN [541]

_"Of all the thoughts of God."_