How Long Can You Run On Empty?

That's what AAA posed in a recent email. I assume they meant my old Prius. But then, I took it as a question worth considering when it comes to running this race called life. L' chaim! To life!

Well, our family leaves tonight for Norway, so I feel like I'm running close to empty as I try to get everything done. I keep lowering my expectations. But I'm also excited to be heading to the land of some of my ancestors and the source of many of our family's best stories.

These are story stones. And like the story in Joshua 4, they aren't just a pile of river rocks. They're visual and auditory aides for generations to recall God's faithfulness and love. And life's lessons. Sometimes they come as miracles, like the one in Joshua. You know, the one when God rolled up the Jordan River like a liquid scroll and the children of Israel crossed over to the promised land without wet feet. These are the story stones that build rock solid faith in troubled times, even when running on empty.

Perhaps, especially then. A good time to learn it's not about my strength, although Norwegians are known for being strong. However, some might say stubborn. Did I hear Jud say, "Amen!"? Norwegians also rank among the top ten happiest people and places in the world.

But Norway is also the Land of the Midnight Sun. And we'll be there when the days are long and the nights but a blip. A great time to soak up the sun. God loves light. It was the first act of creation. We read in Genesis 1 that, "the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." And into this emptiness, God spoke, "Let there be light and there was light." (Genesis 1: 1-3)

Frederick Buechner also reflected on God creating light in his June 10th entry in Listening to your Life. Then, Buechner shifts his focus to the Gospel of John, a flickering fire, and another time when Jesus shows up after the resurrection. It was still a dark time in the world, like it feels often today. Fear isn't new, nor is hate, discouragement, distrust, or running on empty.

So? Lets go fishing! Which Jud sometimes did to clear his head, and now some of the disciples do likewise. But daylight nears, their nets are as empty as Peter probably felt. Then they hear, "Catch any fish?" "Nope!" So they're told to drop their nets off the right side. Welcome to a fish tale about the ones that didn't get away. Quite a catch! Then they catch sight of a small fire on the beach. And, they see Jesus watching and calling, "Come have breakfast." And they picnic on fresh fish, with significant sides of lavish love and forgiveness.

That's so like Jesus to meet us where we are and serve us grace. Buechner writes, "The original creation of light itself is almost too extraordinary to take in. The little cook-out on the beach is almost too ordinary to take seriously. Yet, if Scripture is to be believed, enormous stakes were involved in them both and still are. "(Read the story in John 21)

Imagine God flinging the sun into space. Now picture Jesus, the Light of the World, with nail-scarred hands, " cupping them to shelter a spark to get a fire going enough to cook breakfast." Never doubt that small matters. Small acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, mercy, gentleness, compassion or a simple meal.

So how long can you run on empty? Well, I'm pushing it, but lunch should help. Not everything's a spiritual concern. However, consider the creative ways Jesus and others feed us. Sometimes we're the ones needing the fish and forgivenss. But sometimes we're called to provide the fish or offer the love and forgiveness to someone who is running on empty or struggling in the dark. What a mysterious privilege that God trusts us with such a sacred vocation!

Well, it's time to fill my tank in Norway with my family. Time for sun and fun. I'm sure some story stones will be gathered along the way. Three generations under one roof is bound to bring forth a laugh or a life lesson. For sure our family is an adventuresome bunch. Which reminds me of something Chris sent me.

"People are climbing mountains and zip lining...I'm feeling good I got my leg through my underwear without falling down."

Or, "I do all my own stunts. But not intentionally."

And lastly, "Sometimes I do random acts of kindness. Like keeping my mouth shut, for example."

Well, for sure laughter helps keep me running.

Jeg elsker deg! (I'm practicing some Norwegian. )

Thanks for your good company.

You matter.