RUNNING ON EMPTY
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
If you always feel there’s somewhere to go, a mission to accomplish, an errand to run, this story is for you.
This morning the whole world paused. Do you know why? Because an 8 year old’s tank was empty. My boys had begun their work at their desks and I was preparing to leave for work when I noticed my littlest standing in the bathroom wiping his face. I paused and asked if he was okay. He looked up with tears silently dripping and shook his head. So I sat on the side of the tub and pulled him in my lap. I told him sometimes our heart tanks feel empty and need to be refilled. He cried into my chest and I held tight.
I asked if he could feel my love filling him up. A nod and tears stopped. I waited a minute…… ‘Has it reached your toes yet?’ He nods. ‘Okay man. This is what matters. School doesn’t matter. Work doesn’t matter either. This right here is the most important thing today, okay?’ He nods again.
‘Is your heart full of Mama’s love now?’ ‘Yeah….’ Looking in his eyes,
“I see it shining in there, you’re full to the top and you’re smiling!”
You may not be 8 – you may be 28, 38, 48 or whatever – but ALL of us run on empty just like he did. His week was so busy and so full and his little soul was just dry! We all have to pause and take a moment to refill with the good things – Scripture, prayer, sunshine, worship, song, laughter, friends, hugs.
We don’t know what each day holds, but God sees what’s next. He knows what we need and how to equip us for the things ahead. If only we would pay attention when the empty light alerts us!
Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness to fill me up. Help me to abide in you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Barbara Schneider
