I have been driving my car on fumes because the price of gas is crazy high at the moment. This is a risky venture. I am constantly looking at the fuel gauge and at the little display screen that lets me know how many more miles before I am out of gas. I have figured out if I catch it exactly when it switches from a number to “LOW” that I can set my trip odometer.  At that point, I have about 30 miles left. While I was doing this the other day, I realized that this is how I have been living my life!

Lately, I am always running on empty, spiritually. I fill up on Sundays and maybe once or twice during the week.  I am trying to operate on that alone.  I, like many of you, feel overwhelmed with the demands of work and motherhood.  I don’t take the personal time I need.  Often times, I use the excuse that my kids need to come first, or my work needs me or my husband needs my time, or I am just too tired.

This is not fair to me or my family.  I become a grouchy mom and a moody wife.  Have you had one of those “NOT mom of the year” kind of days?  They have been happening to me more frequently and I think it’s because I am running on empty. When I don’t give myself time with God, I can’t ever be filled by God.  We must take time for ourselves each day to be filled and refreshed by the Holy Spirit.

I love the words of The Message translation of Psalm 23, especially verses 1-3:

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows;
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

What encouraging words for a busy woman to hear! “You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.”  I urge you to take time for yourselves each day.  Spend time in prayer and in the Word.  Allow scripture to encourage you and refuel your soul. You will be a better mom/wife/friend, if you do.

Major Jessica DeMichael