Dear Friends,

Several years ago, I introduced a concept that I have diligently followed for the past three years. It is a rewarding idea with a promising future. Recently, I have found myself revisiting this concept.

Last night, during a meeting with an online men’s group I am part of, I shared this concept and its history. Today, I want to revisit it once more in hopes that it might assist you in making better decisions today for a brighter future.

I have refined the original words for better flow, but the essence remains unchanged from when I first wrote it.

Here it is…

Who is Filling Your Cup?

A few weeks ago, I found myself at a table surrounded by entrepreneurs, discussing future plans, business development, and the role of divine design in our lives. It was a captivating conversation that I keep revisiting.

Midway through that Thursday afternoon, a particular discussion stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about providing value to others through our abilities and knowledge when someone said, “You cannot give from an empty cup.” That statement hit me hard.

For the next 15 minutes, I was lost in thought, realizing that my family and I had been giving so much without ever considering how to refill our own cups. I understood then that I had been giving from an “almost empty” or empty cup for years.

In 25 years of ministry, my family and I have given from our cup, spending little time allowing it to be filled. We have exhausted ourselves, our funds, and countless moments, always trying to do our best, but often giving from an empty cup.

Not to sound boastful, but over the years, we have emptied accounts, sacrificed family moments, endured sleepless nights, shed countless tears, welcomed individuals into our home, and opened our lives to others. We pressed forward even when it felt like pushing a dump truck. While we are grateful for these moments, I now realize we were draining our cup without refilling it.

It’s time to rethink the process and ask, “Who is filling your cup?”

This question will be a guiding principle in my life for the next few years. It’s not a fleeting thought but a principle to live by. If we, as designed individuals, are not living our best moments, we need to ask, “Who is filling our cup?”

I find myself questioning various aspects of life but also finding hope for the future. The past is behind us for a reason. We can learn from it but not live in it. It’s our moment to grow, but we must ask, “Who is filling your cup?”

I’ve realized there are things that don’t fill my cup. I will slowly remove them from my activities, routines, and life. It’s an opportunity to fill the cup instead of draining it.

I believe every person is uniquely designed and given a set of abilities that blend with their personality to serve others. This service will grow when we understand our design, abilities, personality, and purpose.

In the next season of life, this will be an ongoing process. Rediscovering purpose, allowing the cup to be filled, giving to others, and then refilling the cup again. The journey will be blessed, and the upcoming season of life will be the best one yet.

Future hope is gained by realizing the power of the present. This power is not mine alone but one greater than I can fully comprehend. As the ancient text says, you need to wait before you can walk, run, or even fly (Isaiah 40:31).

William James said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” It’s time we, I specifically, realize the opportunities are ready. The harvest is bright, and the time to live in the hope of a greater day is now.

In the past few weeks since that Thursday afternoon, I have tried to fill my cup while allowing the greatest One to fill it more. Though my efforts are earthly, there is One who is gladly filling my cup. My efforts still count because they speak of faith, hope, and eventually love.

As Earl Nightingale quoted Grove Patterson, “The architect of the universe did not build a stairway leading nowhere.” We must make efforts to show our faith, hope, and love.

To this end, I challenge you, as I have challenged myself, to ask, “Who is filling your cup?”

As I continue to ponder this question, I understand that there is good and bad in everything. There are positive and negative attributes to be understood. But “Who is filling your cup?”

For me, I am making plans as my cup is being filled to get back to my purpose. To get back to the thought of, “Would my younger self be happy with who I am today?” Remembering the roots but pressing forward.