Low Fuel-No Fuel
I never thought it would happen to me. I prided myself in pushing the limits without its embarrassing consequence. But, a couple Saturdays ago, as I was taking my son and his friend to their football game, it happened. For the first time in my life I ran out of gas. I mean, I saw the low fuel light flash several times (all right, it flashed so many times that it stayed on), but I ignored it. I ignored it because, in the past, I had driven miles with the low fuel light flashing and remaining on, without running out of gas. I am convinced more so now than ever, that if you keep driving on low fuel, it will eventually become no fuel.
This incident taught me a profound lesson about my life: I have a tendency to ignore the low fuel light flashing on the dashboard of my life. I ignore it because I believe I can push my body and mind to preach, teach, serve, minister, care for, and write one more day, one more week or one more month on the fumes of independence rather than the fuel of dependence on Jesus. Then it happens. I simply run out of gas in every area and relationship of my life. If I keep running on low fuel, I will eventually have no fuel to serve God, my family, my teammates, my community, and my world.
These days, I am learning that every week I need to intentionally find time to rest, recover, refuel and reflect, in order to give God and others my best self. Spending time with family wife and kids, writing, running/walking, praying, and journaling are just a few ways I rest, recover, refuel and reflect.
When do you rest, recover, refuel and rest? What kinds of things do you do to refuel your energy tank and recharge your battery? What are some new practices you can begin to rest, recover, refuel and reflect, so that you give God and others your best self?
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Tags: Recover, Reflect, Refreshment, Refuel, Rest
October 27th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Marvin, Thanks for the continued encouragement. I look forward to seeing and hearing you the next time you visit us at Trinity in Lansing. It is in times like you describe that I truly believe and practice a sabbath. I often forget this with the ministry that all has to be done "right now". Tyranny of the urgent kind of stuff that God laughs at or weeps over I am still deciding on that one.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I tell my baby sister this all the time.I use think that if I didnt be active in everything in the church I would not be
faithful to the call.After wearing myself out I discovered I needed to find my spot and where God wanted me to minister and take part in the body of Christ that benifit the body.I have found mine in intercessory prayer and encouageing the people of God.Am also a Minister as well,but my joy comes mostly where God uses me in the area I have stated,when I am recovered,Reflected on hereing from God,then i become Refeshed,Refuled,and well
Rested.Its amaseing when when do these things!Just four words will bring a greater reward of helping others!
November 24th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Absolutely! I am trying to practice this more and more. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Sometimes it is so difficult. But, we have to keep putting it in our schedule and have a strong implementation plan. Let's keep working hard at it. Blessings!
November 24th, 2009 at 12:06 am
KB, sorry this reply is late. As you can tell from my post today, I have been pretty busy. I try to be faithful to these dates, but it gets difficult at times. It has to be intentional. I am really trying to stay balanced. Keep praying for a brother. Thanks.