Running on Empty

There are two kinds of people in this world.

First there’s my dad’s kind. He never lets his gas tank get beneath a quarter gallon empty. He guards that gauge like a soldier watching the city. Every time we get in the car he has to take a 5 minute pit stop and fill ‘er up. It drives me nuts. It makes me laugh. But I know one thing for sure: I will never run out of gas when I’m riding my dad’s car.

Then there’s folks like me.  I wait until the absolute last minute to fill up the car.  I take pride in knowing exactly how long I can drive after the gas light comes on. You know the feeling.

You’re driving along when all of a sudden, ding, the light goes on, and you remember that you haven’t filled up in a while. Your heart sinks. You start to sweat. You get a pain right in the back of your head by your neck. You look, and look until finally you see that sign. And you realize that once again you’re safe, but barely.

I hate that feeling when I’m on empty and desperate to be filled up.

I know that feeling when I’m empty and desperate to be filled up. I know it too well. I’ve hit it one time too many. I feel like I’m there right now.

I need to get away. I need to turn down the noise. I need to sit, still, and wait. Spirit of God, pour yourself in me, fill me with your gentle presence. Remind me of those things I know but seem to have forgotten. Revive those dreams I know came from you. Renew that burn deep within my soul.

The problem with waiting until you’re on empty to fill up is this:

1. It takes you longer to fill up the tank.

2. It costs you more to fill up the tank.

3. It magnifies the risk of a major breakdown by the side of the road.

I don’t want that kind of risk.

Today I’m taking time out. Today I”m sitting still. Today I’m waiting for God to show up.

No matter how long it takes.

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