Who left the gas on "empty"?

Isn't it amazing how quickly the gas tank is empty, especially in a busy family with lots going on? And have you ever noticed that no one wants to be the one to fill it up, even when Dad is paying the bill? I guess it is just the inconvenience. I know that's often my reason for contributing to the empty tank syndrome.

But after numerous times of finding the arrow pointing to that infamous "e" when I am running late -- and the last thing I need to do is take a trip to the gas station -- I am more appreciative of timely fill-ups. Do it while you have the time, not when it is urgent.

I think there may be a spiritual lesson here if I will just take a look.

Lately I have been pretty empty. My tank is dry. Does anyone else relate? It happens routinely, and certainly if you plan on giving much you must put yourself in the position of receiving much. Sooner or later a crisis arises -- and because we have failed to fill-up the spiritual tank when we had the time, we are now in a pinch. Somehow that doesn't seem to be the way He intended. Situations arise when there just isn't time to get "prayed up". As a mom, they seem to occur frequently. I need to do better than point at the fuel indicator and say, "Not now, I'm empty."

Is getting "prayed up" always convenient? Never. Is it a favorite chosen pastime? Rarely. Does the thoughtful one put it off or get it done ahead of time? That's obvious.

So in spite of the fact that you may be empty, which is always the time we are least likely to find the strength to press in, press in you must. But the wonderful thing is, we don't have to bring Him anything but our emptiness. Just like that young driver, Dad is paying the bill. We simply have to open our hearts, yield our minds, and still our souls. We just need to be there.

When we are empty, He fills us up. When we simply come.

You Are My All in All

You are my strength when I am weak,
You are the treaure that I seek,
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord to give up I'd be a fool,
You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God - worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God - worthy is Your name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame,
Rising again, I bless Your name,
You are my all in all.
When I fall down, You pick me up,
When I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my all in all.