We can keep our own wells filled like the hummingbird feeder, with some attention and commitment.
My hummingbird feeder is right outside my kitchen window. I have had it in the same spot for years. I usually only refill it every few weeks, at most. I just rarely have that many hummingbirds. I have always enjoyed them, but I just haven’t had that many.
This year has been different. I have had at least six dive bombing and squawking at each other for a turn at the feeder. It gets empty quickly. I keep a very close eye on it because I read somewhere that once you hang a feeder, they really depend on it.
I have found myself refilling it at least once a week this year. I have even had to go and buy more sugar for them. I try to keep some sugar water in the fridge, so they never have to be without.
As I was making another pot of sugar water for them today, I began to think about how convenient it is to actually physically see when they are running low. They never have to run out because I keep a watch on the level of water in the feeder.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we kept a close eye on our own emotional and spiritual levels, like the hummingbird nectar? Wouldn’t it be nice if we knew when we were starting to run low on all that we give to everyone around us, so that we could come to a complete stop and refill?
I think the problem is that we so often pay attention to everyone else and all that is expected of us, that we don’t give any thought to our own inner wells and we allow them to run almost completely dry.
We find ourselves frazzled and grumpy and at wits end in general. We snap at the ones we love and find ourselves saying things that we regret. We can apologize later, but once words are out, it’s really difficult to take them back. We can also find ourselves making decisions we might not have made. We can even make ourselves sick from too much stress and busyness.
So how can we keep our wells properly filled like the little hummingbird feeder? I think we have to spend some daily quiet time with God. It can be close to impossible with all of the noise, but I have found that it’s worth it. Even if I have to wake up thirty minutes early, (ugh!), I have always found it to be worth the sacrifice.
Beginning the day with a little Bible reading and a little prayer, really can make all of the difference. If you can’t seem to find the time, I challenge you to try getting up early for a week. I think you will be delighted with the results.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂