Empty Tank

This was Written 10-3-07...and here we are in 2010 and again God's nudge for me to start walking again has emerged...yes it is hot...and that has been my excuse...but as evening rolls in....it it quite bearable and my excuse no longer holds up. It is a time of reflection and quietness with the Lord....and one that does fill up my tank ...no matter how high or low my gauge is. Today will be my starting day...again!

When a baby is hungry...they cry...when a washing machine has finished its cycle it buzzes...when the cat is out of food...he meows...when your car when it is running low on fuel.. .it dings...even the cell phone ...gives you a beep ...beep...beep...to let you know the battery is exhausted. There always seems to be a signal when something might need attention. Well maybe not always...but most times.

What signal do you get when your battery is exhausted or you need to be refueled? Do you get frustrated by the least little things? Do you start picking on your friends and family members? Do your get a little irritable when things seem to be out of place or the noise level is running laps through your brain? Does the signal light go off when you start raising your voice and you hear yourself sputtering unkind words? When we run low on energy and seem to have given about all there is to give...sometimes, we even spring a leak...and the tears gently roll out as relief. We all have points in our days and our lives where we need to stop and refuel. You can almost hear that subconscious beep...beep...beep...warning you that there is only a little bit left! We need rest, and some time to reflect, a time to refresh ...and a time to rethink where we are, what we have done and where we are going from here....and who is going with us.

I didn't even know I needed it but God did. Monday morning in my quiet time the Lord nudged me to start walking again. It was clear...but I got busy and didn't think too much more about it. Tuesday came...and once again the nudge was there...I have learned that I might be able to ignore the first nudge but if it comes again...best to just submit to it.
So I put on my walking clothes and headed to the Park. If he wanted me there...then there was a reason. I didn't realize that my battery was running low...because I didn't have any of the signals, and maybe it wasn't dreadfully low, maybe it was just time to stop and refuel before the signal went off. Nothing happened of any consequence on the walk...but I did realize that it had been a while since I had pushed away the distractions of this world and let God have my complete attention.

Walking through nature is one of His finest times to communicate with me. For he fills my heart with thoughts...some are of friends, some are for prayers, and some are of blessings and thanksgiving, some are thoughts which change my perspective of an old view. He has a way of paving a road for peace through the many thought segments that are flying around in my head. It must have been that way in the Garden of Eden before the serpent came and ruined the day. Can you really imagine walking around the paradise of Eden with God himself? There is something about walking with God...even if you can't see Him...that fills your heart with delight and your soul with satisfaction.

I asked myself: Why.... did God want me to start walking? And I think it may have been because he has missed being the center of my attention. After holding tight through a tough storm and depending on God for every move...I have to be careful to not lay back and relax my dependence when the storm is over. That wouldn't be very nice. God wants that dependence to prevail. He thrives on being God of all help....for that is where His Glory shines.

To only hang tight when the tough comes ...that is a pretty lame, one sided friendship. God has given me everything he has got...I, if I love Him as I say I do, should feel and do the same. And if I am to abide in His word and be obedient to his requests...I must make time to rest, refresh, and reflect in Him and on Him. I kid you not, when I was about 10 feet from my car...and ending the walk...there was the most beautiful yellow butterfly that flew in front of me and then once again circled around me as to make sure I saw it...It almost took my breath away...for I know who sent the butterfly...and it was as if to say...I enjoyed the walk. For God knew that I would recognize the butterfly as a sweet heartfelt sight sent directly from Him. I stood a moment and then turned around to see it again and it was gone...nowhere in sight.
Jeremiah 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

How do you refill your tank? When your battery is running low...who do you get to charge it. Just like a cell phone...or a car battery...there has to be a connection with live juice...and that connection is the conduit that transfers energy and power to the vehicle that is in need. For me the connection was made through a walk...for you it might be a hot bath, or a boat ride, or a good read, or working out, or a car trip...whatever your choice is...invite God to come along for the visit. Connect with Him and receive the power that will transform your tired and lowly self to a refreshed creature of hope and peace...willing to once again be energized to take on the challenges of the day and of this life.

Dear Lord, Thank you for turning the light on in my heart and reminding me that I needed to refuel. I love it that you caught me before my exhaustion signal had gone off. I needed the time with you...and when I am with you walking in nature...I see you all around me...in the trees, the grass, the critters and the skies above. You are the God of all creation...and I am awed by your magnificent display. Lord, let me continue to be aware of the nudges that you give...and train me to obey them even if I don't see a reason why. What a blessing you gave me today as listened and obeyed. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
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email address: cjodeit@gmail.com
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http://simplygod-cathy.blogspot.com/