Running on Empty

“I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls.”—Jeremiah 31:25 (MSG)

Don’t let your life be like some of my knitting projects where I run out of yarn before I am finished. In fact, the photo above is a prime example of that happening to me. I had twenty rows left to finish my pattern and it was obvious, that I didn’t have enough yarn to complete it. Luckily, after some digging at the craft store, I was able to find the same dye lot so that I could finish what I had started.

Unfortunately, life isn’t always that simple. When I am physically and emotionally depleted, I can’t just go to the store and refresh my soul. The problem is, I don’t realize it until I feel as if I have nothing left to give. I put the pressure on myself to be the “strong one.” I did that with my daughter this past month. Even though my daughter is nearly twenty-two years old, I went into “mama bear” mode. I was all about making sure she got into the right doctors and had the best care. 

While there is nothing wrong with doing that, I let it consume me and didn’t allow myself to process exactly what was happening. I was so busy sending out emails and texts for prayers that I didn’t stop long enough to feel. Do you want to know when I cracked and finally cried? It was when I asked the gentleman that has mowed our lawn for over twenty years to pray for Danielle. 

As soon as I asked him for prayers, I saw the compassion in his eyes. It was at that moment when I finally broke down in tears. I said, “I am tired of trying to be so strong.” As the words left my mouth, I realized how I had been bottling up my emotions. 

Even though I used my knitting to calm my nerves during all of this, I wasn't utilizing it to pour out my soul to the only One that could restore my weary heart.

Dear Lord, Thank You that you have been able to refresh my tired soul and weary body this past month. Your grace and mercy amaze me. Help me to remember that You alone, are my strength when I feel weak. Amen! 

How have you done this month with your memory scripture? “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, do not be afraid?”—John 14:27

I am embarrassed to admit that besides some vacation Bible school verses (ie, Philippians 4:13), this is probably one of the longest verses I know have imprinted on my heart. Next week, will you join me in memorizing a new scripture for the month of October?