What’s In Your Cup?

What’s In Your Cup?  

Michelle Matthias

Recently I heard Emmanuel Acho, author of “Uncomfortable Conversations…,” in an interview and he said, “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” I found it to be profound and so I tried to find its origin. Well, let’s just say it is a well-known saying that has been frequently used in psychological circles as it pertains to self-care.

It held significant interest to me personally because each week as I write I wonder if it is my last post. I truly believe that I cannot give what I do not have and sometimes I have to wait and see how I will be led. In this week’s blog, I want to acknowledge that we have all had instances when we probably struggled with keeping our cup from running empty.

In John 7:37-38, Jesus said “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” We have assurance from the Scripture that if we partner with The Lord, our cup will not run dry.

Each week there seems to be an element in my blog that points back to self-care and rightfully so because self-care is an act of self-love. The humbling truth about self-care is that it is broad-spectrum. It’s about balancing the different areas of our life. Daily, we are required to ‘pour’ – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. But how do we replenish what is in our cup?

Having knowledge is only part of the puzzle. How do I personally replenish week after week? As I go through my season of emptiness, who and what do I rely on? How do I pour when there is nothing left in myself to give?

We are human and it is natural for us to give and give and forget to check what is in our cup. I am honest and I am humble to turn to the source that never runs dry and allow Him to pour through me by personalizing the Word in my life.

“So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus…And I pray that he would unveil within me the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods my innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using my faith, the life of Christ is released deep inside me, and the resting place of his love becomes the very source and root of my life. Then I am empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends my understanding—this extravagant love pours into me until I am filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!” – Ephesians 3:14,16-19.

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” – Ephesians 3:20

So as seen above, I rely on The Lord and you can too. He is my source! My encouragement is for you to:

• Cultivate the habit of checking “what’s in your cup.” Do not be taken by surprise when you are trying to pour from an empty cup.
• Acknowledge your limitations and do not attempt to pour what’s unavailable.
• Replenish daily – it prevents resentment and burn-out.
• Partner with The Almighty – we are not meant to walk alone.

Keeping your cup replenished has to be intentional. It is a conscious effort to exercise self-care because you have recognized that your mental, physical, spiritual health is valuable and ongoing. Rest, nourishment, exercises, laughter, prayers, relaxation, and friendships are all important and invaluable aspects of replenishing your cup.

Sometimes looking after yourself is the best gift you can give to others.

Happy B’day Andy!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105