Empty is a word that usually has a bad connotation for most kids. Last Saturday I will admit: I had a grandiose “mom fail!” We had signed up for the community Easter egg hunt and in my mind I was certain it started at 12noon. To my dismay we realized through a few text messages that morning that it had already started at 10am! My kids were rightly disappointed, and we almost didn’t go, but I convinced them maybe we could find a few of the hidden golden eggs. By the time we got there at 11am many people had left, but around 30 golden eggs were still to be found; I was extremely hopeful! We frantically foraged through the large park for the next hour to no avail. My 4 children left that egg hunt with EMPTY Easter baskets-not one egg to their names!
Although I could have wallowed in believing this was a colossal waste of time, I was reminded of the beauty in EMPTINESS. When we don’t get our way and have every desire met, we can become more grateful and appreciative of God’s provision when it comes. When we see something EMPTY, God sees a space to fill. The tomb on Sunday morning appeared EMPTY, and the women who arrived were in a panic. Where did they take their Rabbi? Who could have stolen His body? The moment they realized EMPTY meant NEW LIFE, their worlds turned upside down. EMPTY was actually the monumental VICTORY!
Maybe emptiness can resonate with you too. Are you trying to fill your family life with activities when really God wants to EMPTY it first and show you HIS HEART? That is where God has led me these past few weeks: emptying my life of routines that were not sinful or negative but were a distraction from how HE wanted me to spend my time. What it took was me spending time alone in God’s Word and listening to His voice; I desire HIS direction for this next season, not just a fun, easy, comfortable path.
Let Him guide each of your decisions, especially this summer as we are able to see and interact with others outside. Let’s start our days asking, “God, how can I give you glory today?” Only HE can turn our selfishness into selflessness.
Jesus, EMPTY my time and fill it with Your Presence and passions. SHOW ME how to serve You and fill the emptiness with only Your plans.
Happy EASTER, dear ones! Leave a comment to let me know you were here. The tomb is EMPTY-the BEST news ever! He LIVES and desires to live IN YOU! Make your life EMPTY and AVAILABLE for His use.