I will always be amazed at how close to empty we allow ourselves to become.
As a youngster, I would try to mow the yard with just a little bit of fuel and pray there was enough; otherwise, a trip to the gas station on my bike would be the order of the day. I would even run (literally) the mower across the yard hoping to cut more grass with each swatch.
Later, when mowing to put food on the table, I filled up the gas can at the start of the day, and I generally always have enough after mowing four yards before noon. Normally. An extra thick grass, or heavy rain before, or a mower not running to its best efficiency could suck more than I planned.
What’s left? Fumes. And we all know you can’t last long on that.
Last Sunday, we knew we needed to fill up. Modern cars have this unique calculation of fuel, average consumption, and telling you how far to empty! Yep. Fifteen miles to empty, said my bride’s truck. Suddenly, a ding. Ten miles to empty! It even ranged the distance to the next nearest fuel station: 1.2 miles, 2.2 miles, and 2.4 miles. Of course, I went to the furthest stop, as that’s where the best value happens to be. As I pulled up to the pump, I snapped this photo.
If accurate, I made it with eight miles to empty! Whoa! How can I get there in time? In front of me? A Ride Share van that is sure to stop at the railroad tracks! Whew! Passed. No stopping here. Whoa! Red light stay Green! Made it! Traffic! Create a break so I can turn and coast in if I have to. Fuel Pump? Be free for me to use!
Made it! Done!
Yet, all of this is for naught if the station is empty itself.
While I experienced this event, I also remembered times when my life was empty. Stressed. Tired. Weary bones and frazzled mind. I need to pull over and recharge, renew, and fill the emptyness with some energy.
At the end of a Sunday service? Ditto. Rest.
Finishing a hard task around the yard? Refreshment.
Being around too many people? Peace and quiet.
Dealing with a struggle in life? Prayer time. Quiet. Alone.
I recently started following a fire warden who will live atop a mountain for 100 days. Her job is to look for smoke – which mostly happens when lightening strikes and fires smoulder. Just her and her dog. No company unless some backpackers happen along the rail. A mule pack team brings her supplies at the start of the season as she settles in to a lonely place and a lonely time.
I watched a video about scientist who winter-over in Antartica. After the crowd has left, they remain behind to keep the building safe and continue their experiments.
I crawl into my truck, start my engine, and drive with no radio or music sounds except what I create through singing an old favorite.
The one thing I’ve learned in life, when I’m emptied out, the rat race needs to stay far away, and give me some solo time to renew.
I feel this must have been the way Jesus taught the disciples how to pray…by doing prayer away and solitary.
If you could name your restoration habit, could you share it with me and others? Perhaps others need to know your routine on restorying your life when it feels empty.
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!
(Below, you may find other topics similar to this one. Please read on!)