Five Minute Friday: Empty

March 9, 2012 By 10 Comments

Hello there! Welcome to Five Minute Friday. I’m joining Lisa-Jo at the Gypsy Mama where today we write for five minutes on being empty. I’m a mother. I could probably write for five years on this, but I disciplined myself to keep it to minutes. Join me there?

    1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
    2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
    3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them.

Prompt: Empty

GO

There’s a quote floating around in the ether that says something to the effect of wanting to ‘die empty’. In other words, this person wants to give of themselves in such a way, that when it’s time to meet God, they have nothing left to give. They already gave it all.

When I first read this quote I had small children. Three little people who made constant irrational demands: Feed Me, Bathe Me, Get up in the middle of the night and pretend that you actually enjoy this part of mothering me. I thought it was the stupidest thing I’d ever read. I emptied myself on a daily basis over things like stinky diapers and toddler tantrums. Obviously this person was a man and had no idea what they were talking about. There was never anything left to give.

My children grew up a little. I stopped calling the person who said that quote stupid. I realized that this season of mothering very little ones is brief. I have to be purposeful about finding ways to empty myself now. I spill myself onto these dear ones still, but these days my husband gets more, and Jesus, and my treadmill. I discovered I love to spill onto the page too.

And I surprise myself, because I realize I’m working my way back to empty.

STOP

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  • http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com Loni

    I laughed when I read “and treadmill” . . . .

    :)

    But yes, learning with you too, of emptying more.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06586393878379789925 Michele {A Life Surrendered}

    I love this.. ” I have to be purposeful about finding ways to empty myself now.” … really really love this.

    It is my desire to pour into the hearts of my children… and so often I find there is little left of me to give… only at His feet can I find the refilling…

    This blessed me… thank you…

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12437880949660876740 Stephanie

    I have a little one now. Would be three but God had other plans. Thank you for the perspective. By the way, that quote you were referring to, is one of my favorites. Its by Erma Bombeck. I think it goes something like this: “I hope at the end of my life, I can say to God, I have nothing left to give. I used everything you gave me.” I don’t think I quoted it just right. I smiled when I first started reading your post . . . thank you!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05260565778393696918 Tara

    yes. I too am working towards empty to live this life intentionally…yet its hard to find this empty, when each moment seems so full. As usual, I love your words! :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07606241763989900434 Laura

    I feel like you just described my life. Everything you wrote is true of my journey and our kids look to be about the same age……Thanks for sharing. Hoping to stop by again.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17433836218417931621 Denise J. Hughes

    “I spill myself onto these dear ones still, but these days my husband gets more, and Jesus, and my treadmill. I discovered I love to spill onto the page too.”

    Oh, I love this. I really do. It speaks of the season I am in right now. It’s a beautiful season, really. And I love spilling onto the page too.

    I just read that you live in Switzerland? Wow.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02537827307867912139 BARBIE

    Visiting from the 5 Minute Friday. Life moves so fast. My little ones are grown. My eldest to be married in June. My youngest is 8. I too am having to be much more intentional in emptying myself.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16387646159308001934 Sophia

    Good thoughts! I want to live the same kind of life–to choose to be emptied instead of holding on to reserves. It’s not the easiest life, but it is the best kind. :-)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07591518304156689965 Amy

    As I read this, it made so much sense. It seems like each season of life lets us empty ourselves out, but in different ways.

    And you live in Switzerland? I imagine that must be an adventure! I have a dear friend from the UK who lives there now, too.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14109989942043535907 Jennifer Dawn McLucas

    Your thoughts are beautifully written, Kimberly. I love the idea you’re sharing here. I think these days, for me, it’s all about figuring out the best things to empty myself into- I’m discovering some opportunities are really just distractions in disguise, lol.