Usually, hotels that rent rooms “by-the-hour” are pretty sketchy places. But in Japan, they have Capsule Hotels or Sleeping Pods that you can rent by the hour just to take a nap. And they are fantastic.
Sleeping in one of these has long been on my bucket list. So recently, when I had the opportunity, I couldn’t resist.
Please don’t get the wrong idea: There are no “2 peas in a pod”. The hotel is decisively segregated. Men and women are on opposite sides of the building and separated by a passkey door and the reception area. This is a place for rest.
For me, the pods were an introvert’s dream. For the claustrophobic, it would be a torture chamber! A little bigger than an MRI cylinder, each pod is equipped with a narrow, but comfortable bed with clean cotton sheets, fluffy pillow, and an airy comforter. There is a single light, an outlet to charge your phone, and a/c control. That’s it. There’s no floor to walk on, you literally crawl into it. There is no window and no door. Only a screen that is pulled down for privacy. Shoes are not to be worn. Slippers are provided for cleanliness. And don’t even think about talking on your phone! That would be highly offensive and not tolerated. Even whispering seems frowned upon.
Once inside, I immediately pulled down the privacy screen, turned off the light, and slid under the comforter. I was surprised at how dark it got. No light creeping in anywhere. The absolute darkness and silence was peaceful. This wasn’t isolation, this was solitude! It was as if my brain finally got a rest from my own thoughts and the over stimulation of Tokyo outside. I couldn’t help but ponder, “Wow! Why don’t we have these in the U.S.”?
Jesus, of course, never experienced a Japanese sleeping pod, and you may never get the chance either (although I highly recommend it). But He did frequently get away to a dark and solitary place, not to sleep but to pray. After all the crowds pressing in on Him each day, I’m sure the peace and quiet was welcomed.
In our world today, getting alone to a quiet place, free of our devices and distractions, is something that is difficult to do. But I believe we should look to Jesus’ example and make the effort.
What would happen if we would allow a bit more time and space to quiet our busy minds, close our eyes, and just wait on Him? Perhaps we would discover a great treasure. When there is nothing else to see or hear, His voice can become clearer and bring comfort and rest to our weary souls. Who doesn’t need that?
So I want to encourage you to get creative. Find your own solitary place, your own “prayer pod”, and get alone with God. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as this:
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35 NKJV
