RUNNING ON EMPTY

"No one knows his true character

until he has run out of gas,

purchased something on the installment plan

and raised an adolescent."

Marcelene Cox



I've run out of gas, bought on the installment plans and raised four adolescents...the one I dread the most is...running out of gas! I hate that...makes me feel so helpless!

Okay, it's also dreadful to pay and pay for something...month after month after month and then! The day after it's paid off and the warranty runs out...it drops dead. Whack!

The adolescents were actually a pleasure; having those four sons born within five years provided them with constant companions...aah! Fringe benefit, yes!

Mysteriously our four boys became men and left the nest...but wait a sec...it's not empty. We've a beautiful rag doll cat, Gibby! Sort of comfy having another girl in the house after all those males (even the pets were males).

She came to us via foster cat-care in Oklahoma several years ago. Seems the people who had her really loved her; that is as long as she was the only 'child' they had. Along came a baby plus a dog; the dog used Gibby as her 'toy' which naturally upset the cat who because a nervous Nellie...they evicted her.


Long story short...she loves her home w/me and Michael; 'specially as she's our only other interest...meaning we really, really love her! But she has a few eccentricities.

Like? Well, she was spoiled w/an automatic litter pooper-scooper and unfortunately can't/won't learn to cover her poop! We won't talk anymore 'bout that little unpleasantry!

She's sort of the basis for this post...running on empty! She's a very healthy cat...and not a finicky eater but...she always saves a smidgen in her dish 'just in case'. Maybe it's because she was a 'foster girl' and fearful they'd forget to feed her...who knows? I'd probably be the same if I'd been tossed around from person to person. Little insecure? Possibly!

If you're anything like me, you drive w/plenty of gas in the tank; no point in taking a chance on running out, right? Come to think of it...I always like to have 'a little extra' of most everything...just in case! In case of what? Well...dunno...just in case of...well, something might come up and I'd need a tad more!

Food in the pantry? Creature of habit, I buy groceries a week at a whack; don't know why 'cause I live a very short distance from my favorite store! In China they buy from meal to meal or day to day...at least they did while we were there...I think they've not changed. Why do I feel the need to have a good stash?

Money? Oops, don't go there, huh? Okay, so I like to have a good stash there too...might get caught in a bind or something unusual...need a backup, just in case! Hmm...how much can I save up this month??? What?

Well now...let's see here...aren't I reminded in Matthew 6 that I don't need anything and I'm not to worry about tomorrow? Aah yes, absolutely...but I'm asking myself...why then am I compelled to have 'stashes'?

Being honest ~ I must give my concerns about 'what if's' and 'just in case's' to God...w/no exception...I do get His message...loud and clear; I do!

Oops, almost forgot a most important piece of advice for myself...
"For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe"...

Got it...God holds that position..permanently!  Whew!

From my heart...to yours!