Day Four- Keep Your Cup Full

When I was the PTA president at my girls' school a few years ago, I received this piece of advice- “When you’re looking for someone to head up a committee or a project, ask one of the really busy moms.  They know how to get things done!”  At first this seemed somewhat counterintuitive.  If she’s so busy, then won’t she just say no?  I learned very quickly, however, that this was indeed sound advice.  The busy moms were more likely to help. They know how to juggle lots of things and get stuff done.

Most of us would classify ourselves as really busy parents.  Our calendars are overflowing with activities and our to-do lists are never-ending.  Why then, with such full lives, are so many of us walking around on empty? 

We spend our days pouring out all of our energy just to keep up with our lives.  If we aren’t careful, we can quickly find ourselves all poured out.  We have nothing left to give- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  The caregivers are all worn out, but the people in our lives still need care.

So, how do we fix this?  Take time every day to refill your cup.  Eat healthy food, drink lots of water, take a walk, try to get some rest, spend some quiet time praying and meditating on the Word.  Jesus came that we might have an abundant life, not an exhausting life! If your cup is full, then you will always have plenty to pour out on those you love.   

Whenever I start to feel my cup running dry, I remember the words to this chorus I learned as a new Christian:

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting in my soul
Bread from heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. (songwriter Richard Blanchard)

Be kind to yourself… keep your cup full!