Running on Empty by BJ Bassett #devotional

 Running on Empty

He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.” Luke 10:27 MSG

We live in a stressful world. For some, it is even more stressful during this time of year. Yet, busyness is a choice because many have never learned to say no.

During my husband’s struggle with Parkinson’s, I was his caregiver. At the end of his battle, I was drained and overwhelmed. After he walked into the arms of Jesus, it was time for some self-care for me. That’s the place I’m at now—caring for myself. Once I’m filled up, like a car that needs gas to run, I’ll be able to care for others again.

How can we love our neighbor when we are running on empty?

Is it time for some self-care? It isn’t selfish; instead, it’s a gift to others. When we are well cared for, we can better care for others.

Lord, I love You with all my passion, prayer, muscle, and intelligence. Help me love and care for myself and others. Amen.

        

              Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

BJ Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.