Saturday, February 23, 2008

filling my cup

I just love this place that I'm at in life where God is shaping, teaching and molding me into the woman He meant for me to be. I am learning so much however I think the biggest thing He has been showing me lately is this simple truth....

you can't feed others without first feeding yourself

For the longest time I was running on empty. I think I said in a previous post that I always feel like I'm playing a game of catch up. It is so frustrating sometimes because it seems like I can't keep up with the pace that God is moving at. The things that I once loved and were passionate about no longer made me happy. I realized that it was because I really was completely empty. I wasn't succeeding in being a leader because I was horrible at pouring into my kids and my volunteers because I had nothing to pour out. I wasn't being poured into at all. I worked so much that I got to go to service maybe once every other month. I concentrated so much on keeping up with school and work and the ministries I was in that I was having a hard time staying in the word. I was pouring from an empty cup.

I can't and will not do that ever again. I finally realize how important it is to make sure I am filling up spiritually. I want so badly to be an excellent leader to my volunteers. I want so badly to affect the lives of children and families in Charlotte. I can't do that without first filling my own cup so I can then overflow and pour into those around me. This is such an important thing for me to do not only as a leader but as a Christian.

The fight for the children and families of this city is way too important to let myself get burned out!!!

I need to make sure I stay in the word daily. I need to make sure I get to attend a service as many weeks as possible. I need to find a woman who is older and wiser than me who can mentor, guide and pour into me as I continue on in my walk. These are vital things that I need to do.

On another note I am really excited about tomorrow. I got a lot of work done at the office this week and for the first time in a while I really feel like I am prepared for Sunday. Also I am very excited because my mother and potentially my sisters will be coming up for service tomorrow. Normally I am freaking out and really nervous when my family comes up but not this time. I am just excited and happy that they are coming.

Goodnight

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Romans 15:13