Empty Tanks

I have a confession to make today.

EVEN MY GAS TANK GETS EMPTY.

Yup, even I can get so dry, toasted, used up that I really feel the depth and weight of ministry. It is not easy for me to get this empty. But this last Sunday night and most of Monday I was as about as empty as I have been in almost.... forever (no the last six years).

This emptiness has happened for several reasons:
First - the intense nature of daily minister is one thing, add a building project onto that and man you're bound to feel it more.

Second - four days at an Assessment Center... very intense and deeply spiritual and spiritual warfare atmosphere. Well worth it all...but man it takes a lot out of you. That's why I had Andy speak this week.... thanks buddy.

Third - Family. With three teenage girls, one about to graduate... man the home life calendar gets so full. I am blessed to have a great life partner / wife (Cyndi) help navigate all of that.

Fourth - The last few months I have had to deal with some personal loses, and in recent days.... some very personal attacks. In life you know this will happen, in ministry the enemy uses these events and turns them into spiritual warfare things.
Really intense at times and deeply personal.

I share all of this and reflect on who I am. I am driven by God, and my passion to use every day as best that I can for Him. I will not (even after all of this) stop going at Warp Factor 6. But I will try and stay alert more. I will try and guard myself in certain areas and ways. Plus, I will continue to learn how to use others better and better as a team.

Gas is expensive these days. Refueling an empty tank gets costly. It hits the wallet big time. The same is true for my (our) emotionally, physical and spiritual tanks.
It takes more and more to get it refueled. It's very costly and some have fallen off because they can't really recover from their break downs after running to long on an Empty Tank.

Guard your tank.
I'm a not saying STOP and sit.
Rather watch the gauges of life, don't push it the "E" line. Find time to regularly get fresh ed and refueled.