An Empty Cup

“You cannot pour from an empty cup.”

I’m not sure who to give credit to, but that saying was ringing true in my life this time last year. I was empty. I knew that I wasn’t doing my best at my job. I wasn’t teaching at church to my full potential. Family and friendships were subpar.

I was badly in need of rest, but it doesn’t come easy to me. I have always felt like I need to work harder and longer than many would think is necessary. That if I’m not going full force, I’m not doing my best. I’d managed to run long and hard before I realized I was running well below empty. I knew that something had to change because I literally couldn’t keep doing it. So, despite it going against my natural instinct I pulled back.

First at church. I had taught at least one bible class every year for the last 10 years. I had never taken a break and I hadn’t attended a class as a student in over 5 years. It was time to stop teaching and start being taught for a season. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to decide to do. I loved the ladies I had taught, but I knew I wasn’t doing them any good in the state I was in. While that decision was tough, it was the right one. I entered a season of rest and it has does wonders for my soul.

The second thing I knew I needed rest from was my job. I am currently in year 15 as a teacher and while most would say teachers have summers off, I literally have never stopped for the last 15 years. I have always worked in my room, took classes, organized, planned and prepped through the summer. However, this summer looked different. I decided to do an experiment. I wanted to spend the first 7 days without thinking or working on anything school related. To be honest that first week was kinda painful. I had to search to find a new balance where my focus wasn’t on school. But I let one week turn into two, and then two to three, and before I realized it there was only one week of summer left. I didn’t do anything special really, but the rest was amazing.

That was one of the major things I learned this year - the importance of rest. I do not help anyone by being burned out. I don’t serve well when my cup is empty and my attitude is not great.

All throughout scripture it highlights the importance of rest. From keeping the Sabbath holy, to being restored when we turn our burdens over, to going to a quiet place to be alone with God. In this slowing down I didn’t lose anything - I gained so much.

I still fall heavy on the work side on occasion, but I’m getting better at it. I’ve been realizing that resting allows me to be better in my service and my work. I’m hopeful that 2020 will be a good blend of both.

How’s your cup? Full? Empty? Remember friends…

“You cannot pour from an empty cup.”

To Everything There Is A Season…

Kiley Ann