My car ran out of gas last Monday while I was in a left hand turn lane to cross an intersection near my girls’ dance studio—like it totally died and wouldn’t go any further type of empty.  Praise the Lord my husband was doing some administrative work in his home office, so he could come to our rescue.  He heroically pushed our car through the busy intersection with the aid of a  good samaritan who was walking by.  The girls and I were relieved and grateful to have him there while we waited for AAA to come bring us some gas.  (Side note:  AAA is a MUST have and I’m so thankful for it.)

We survived this inconvenient bump in the road and my daughter was able to get to her dance class. After this happened, I thought about the symbolism of this situation.  When we are running on empty in life, we need a village to come to our rescue.  We need to turn to God and surrender to His unfailing control.  If we try to keep going on our own strength, we will lose momentum and pass out on the side of the road.

So, do you feel like you are running on empty? Is there an area of your life where someone can come save you from some unwanted stress or alleviate some hard to handle by oneself tasks?  We are not meant to do this journey alone.  First and foremost, bring your depleted car-load of stuff  to God and ask Him to help you press on and carry it.  Ask Him to fill up your tank, so you have enough energy and fuel for the road ahead—wherever it may lead you.

What are some personal things you can do to fill your tank back up? Give yourself permission  to take a nap, graciously say “no” to a request or commitment, exercise, drink more water, and treat yourself to a movie, massage, or  mani/pedi.  Might I suggest you spend some time in nature too.  Go on a bike ride or jog by the beach; journal or read at a park; or call a kindred spirit to meet you for a walk on a local trail.  Being outside does wonders for our hearts, minds, and souls.

Also, when you feel empty, give yourself grace upon grace for each moment of the day. You are going to make mistakes and feel like you’re not running correctly or out of balance  You are going to feel like you said or did the wrong thing at a social event; you are going to forget a pick up time for school, football practice, or dance;  you are going to have take out/drive thru meals 2 or 3 consecutive times in a row; or you may even forget to put gas in your car when the “E” is lit up. Ask God confidently for a huge heaping dose of grace.  He generously gives it to us each and every day regardless of the silly, negligent, embarrassing, hurtful, or not-so smart things we say or do.

Be brave on the narrows, my friends; and, remember to fill up your tank before you hit the highway.  And, if you notice someone is literally or figuratively out of gas on their journey today, be full of grace and offer to help them in their time of need.