It has been a thought in the forefront of my mind for the whole month of July, as my husband and I have been attempting our first extended vacation, some time away from church for these 30 days.

I have finished reading a book by Wayne Cordeiro, titled Leading On Empty, and it has really helped my perspective on the importance of rest. I’ve heard it for over 25 years of ministry, that if I’m going to continue for the long haul, I need to take care of myself. I just never really knew what that meant.

So I’ve been figuring it out- it’s important to conserve strength, conserve sanity, conserve issues of priorities. Yep, I get it.

The funny thing is, my thoughts are continually turning to areas of necessary non-conservation. There are some things I refuse to conserve.

I have known people who grew up during the depression era, therefore they take great pains in saving everything. You know them too, they keep it all- from plastic ziplock baggies, to bread bag ties, to gas to food. I can understand. However, some of these same people conserve when it comes to love, to family, to friends, and to God, as well.

I am determined- I will not do it!

One day I was considering my seeming stubborn attitude and asked the question, “well, I don’t want to be wasteful. Is this attitude wasteful?”

I was instantly reminded of the woman who made her way to the feet of Jesus, and in her condition of thankfulness and gratefullness, she poured out her love for her Saviour in the action of breaking an alabaster box containing very costly, expensive oil and pouring it all over His feet.
The onlookers criticized: this woman is wasting what would be a whole year’s salary! Think what could be done with this money! And here she is, just spilling it out.
Jesus replied, “leave her alone! She has done something wonderful, admireable, and will be remembered forever!”

Will my love being poured out, be remembered forever? See, there are just some areas I want to refuse conservation. I want to pour out my love in worship to my King. I want to never be guilty of withholding love and encouragement from my loved ones. When I think something kind and lovely toward my friends I want to pour it out on them.

Do we really think that if we keep those things in reserve it will keep us from becoming empty? Will we not run dry if we hold on to everything? How is it possible that the opposite occurs? The more you pour out, the more you give, the more you are re-filled?! It’s another one of those God-things that calls upon faith for us to comprehend.

Luke 6:38 says, “…give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back- given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity,”

Oh man, I want to be generous. I want to be found pouring it out, not holding on tight. With my heart, my words, my hands. I will not conserve those things. Will you?