Running On Empty with Laura Sandretti

Our lesson this week came from a special guest, Laura Sandretti, on how to find joy when you are running on empty, and who wouldn’t want to hear about that? Laura gave us four sound suggestions on how to maintain a steady contentment and joy through our busy daily lives.

Her first suggestion offered rest, not only by napping (if at all possible), but in a way that requires asking for help from others to ease the load from your shoulders.  She also advised that rest can come from a realistic outlet, such as exercise, even if that means a relaxing walk, or a few minutes of quiet reading.

Not only do we need rest to keep ourselves fueled, but what we fill up on, what we work hard for has to be for the right reasons.  Our ultimate goal in this life, as Paul reminds us, is to reach the finish line in eternity, but while we are here on this earth, set your sights on running for what matters.  A simple example might be spending a half an hour reading with your kids versus rummaging through facebook in that time.  Or find joy in spending time with your children as they help you clean up instead of focusing on how behind you are in chores. 

Being behind in chores can run you right into Laura’s third suggestion, run your own race.  So you’re house isn’t as spotless and perfect as Suzy Q’s, so what?  You’ll never find joy if you are constantly trying to live out someone else’s victories.  And isn’t it all too often you only hear about everyone’s victories instead of failures?

Finally, remember that no cup of coffee, no perfect time on a run, not even the cleanest house will bring you joy like the joy and peace that God will provide for you.  He will fill your cup faster than you can brew a pot if you let him in and expect to hear his voice.

 Laura had some additional notes that she wanted to share with you:

Here is that list of ideas to read the Bible relationally from Nancy Grisham’s book Thriving:

• Read relationally: As you’re reading, remember to read relationally by talking to God and listening for Him. Stop and interact w/ Him as you read.
• Place: Find a place where you can have some undistracted time alone. For some of you, this may not be physically possible. That’s okay. You can still meet w/ God. Ask Him to help you stay focused.
• Time: Find the time that works best to be one-on-one with God. If you can’t find the time, then time probably isn’t the problem – it’s prioritizing your time (note from Laura – this is where, “we make time for what matters” comes in! J)
• Later list: If you’re like me, as soon as you sit down w/ God you may get distracted by things that need to be done. Keep a “later list” and jot those things down to do later.
• Prayer and Application: Spend time talking to God specifically about how you can apply what He is teaching you. Then practice what you read. Talk to Him about things on your mind and heart.