One of my favorite beverages to drink on a hot day is sweet tea, and I especially like flavored teas — peach and raspberry reign supreme. I’m not a fan of hot tea though, but I really enjoy drinking coffee each day after my morning prayers. For me, it’s a great way to start the day — filling my cup with something warm and flavorful. It just sets the tone for the rest of the day when I begin it this way.
Something else that fills my cup is spending time with family and friends — an activity I admittedly don’t do enough of, but that, too, sets the tone for my day or even my week. Last month, I had the pleasure of spending two consecutive weeks with family and friends, and I was amazed at my sudden attitude adjustment. I attended a few parties, family celebrations, and had a few one-on-one outings with friends who flew in or drove out to see me. Everything about me changed. My posture was better, my sleep was more restful, my appetite was better, and my emotional health was ideal. I knew instantly that my cup was full. If only I could package that formula and place a drop or two in my coffee or tea each week, my life would be balanced.
What I’ve learned is that the formula for achieving this balance I alluded to doesn’t come in a bottle. It’s really a matter of assessing yourself regularly and knowing when your cup is nearly empty. Having the good sense to fill it up before it’s completely empty is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ~Psalm 34:17
Our Creator is creative in how he chooses to deliver us from our troubles. In my case, stress was the source of my trouble, and God answered my prayers by sending in his troops. They were armed with hugs, jokes, and food, but most importantly, they came armed with those intangible things like unconditional love and generous hearts. God knows what you need when you need it, so take advantage of that second cup when he starts pouring out his goodness. You’re worthy to receive his bounty, and he longs to love you unconditionally.
Today, I am especially grateful to all those who poured into me these past few weeks, and I hope that I’ve done the same for you. Finding your balance is not always easy, but it’s necessary to keep you functioning at your optimal levels. So do me a favor this week, and do whatever fills your cup. Perhaps a long run will fill your cup or a yoga date with your BFF. An afternoon of kayaking, or maybe even a lazy morning drinking coffee on the porch will soothe you. Take a little time to figure out what fills your cup, and fill it to the brim. Never let your cup run dry; fill it with all the things that money can’t buy. May blessings abound! <3
NOTE – Remember to scroll down to the comments, and tell me what fills your cup. Comments, likes, and reblogs fill my cup as well. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
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This is beautiful. Currently my cup is going through a storm. So i cant say my cup is full. But when it is full it is full balance, contentment, courage and inner strenght.
What can you take off your plate in order to fill your cup?
Yeah i have taken a bit off my plate and feeling good for it
Excellent! No regrets. 😀
None
Thank you for this post. My cup runit a muck the last few weeks. And just when i think it has past another storm comes. It was lovely to read and i was reading a spiritual verse that also helped a bit. I think my cup will become full when i find balance, contentment with a certain situation
Happy sunday for this great post
Thanks for stopping by. I truly believe that we function so much better and really begin to live when we’re balanced and our cups are full. Sometimes we just need to kick negative folks out of our lives or leave a job we no longer enjoy. Peace of mind is priceless, and it all starts with giving yourself what you need. Blessings to you! <3
Reblogged this on Fearless and commented:
I love this word picture!
Thanks so much for the reblog. <3
I love the way you explained this post. What fills my cup? Physically, it is going for a swim. Emotionally, it’s finding some quiet and alone time. Spiritually, it’s getting in his word and understanding how I can Bring him glory in all I do! My goal is to have all three of these in harmony.
Amen! I love how you described the formula for filling your cup. If any of those things ceases to happen, you suddenly feel the void. I really enjoy reading the word of God. Depending on the the season I’m going through, I’ll see a verse through a different lens. Blessings to you!
I love those times when God brings back the verse for a totally different need!
He’s so creative…the original recycler.
I like that, the original recycler!
I love this post Sis! It’s so amazing how you love broken down the analogy of filling our cup in the simplest of ways. I’m definitely doing following through on this starting today. Thanks so much for sharing! Many blessings!
What’s up, Sis? Thanks for stopping by. Blessings to you! <3
Hey Sis! All is well! You’re super welcome! I hope the same goes for you! 😊
I love it, this post speaks “confirmation to me”, I haven’t always felt this way but, that sweet tea and coffee you speak of, definitely helps to fill my cup, lol. Ive learned that no matter how much time and effort I aim for, to please folks, if my cup is “empty” , I can give nothing. I’ve chose to Live a life of “Whatever God Allows” for me, if he brings me to it, I know he’ll bring me through it!!! So I would say “My cup is full and running over”, not bcuz it is, but bcuz I have faith that it will, and that alone is enough for me to keep going!! Thanks for the extra gas, in my tank this morning…..Keep it comin’ cousin, wisdom/knowledge is gained every time I read your blog…😘Happy Sunday
You’re a wise young woman, Fontella. You can’t pour from an empty cup. I love your profession of faith: ” My cup is full and running over”, not bcuz it is, but bcuz I have faith that it will, and that alone is enough for me to keep going!” This is powerful! We all need to learn to think like this — with a heart of expectancy. Thanks so much for always supporting my craft and leaving me with words of encouragement. You rock, Sis. <3