FILLING THE BIG EMPTY

One morning, not so long ago, I awoke with a familiar craving. My sugar was low and I lusted after something carnal to consume. With the little energy I did have, I stumbled down the stairs to the kitchen in search of my prey. Ah! There—on the top shelf—strawberry frosted pop tarts! Yes!!!!

But I hesitated. Can one actually eat these goodies without a hot cup of caffeinated Christian crack?

I quickly twirled away from the cupboard in my stinky dress socks and fixed my eyes on the crack machine; that is to say, coffee maker. Within 30 seconds the drug was brewing; and thank God I have one of those machines where you can pull the pot out before it’s done.

I waited patiently.

Alas!--enough for a cup. I poured the piping hot liquid love into my favorite mug and made for the cupboard. En route, I took a sip, not a big gulp mind you, just one of those suck in with your upper lip until it burns kind of sips. The bitterness stung in a pleasurable way. I knew the pain would quickly be countered by the smooth taste of melty icing from atop my tasty tarts. There’s just something about sugar and coffee that leads me to believe God planned all along that the twain should become one.

Through my crusty morning eyes I fixed my gaze on the colorful container. No deception there. You get what you see: a flat, fruit-filled pastry covered in hardened white icing, dotted with speckles of strawberry goodness. They live side by side, two to a bag, waiting patiently to be chosen for digestion.

I reached for the box.

Should I eat only one? Heavens no, what would happen to her twin? She’d grow stale and crumbly. I couldn’t play party to the waste of such a jewel. I shall eat at least two. That’s 400 well chosen calories in my book.

Still stiff from my slumber, the reach caused a slight twinge in my right trapezoid; but, it was worth the effort. I had made contact.. The aroma of the coffee in my left hand was still wafting up my nose when it happened. Tragedy struck.

Something was wrong---terribly wrong.

The box felt lighter than I expected. I tilted it toward my hungry eyes. I’m not sure exactly what happened next. There was a flash of foil, a fountain of crumbs and then the stark realization that my worst nightmare had come true. The box was empty.

Empty.

Have you ever felt empty?

Have you ever opened up the fridge to find an empty milk carton. What the heck is wrong with people? What’s the deal with empty ice trays? And, who in the flippin’ world would put the cereal box back in the cupboard with nothing but a few pebbles under the plastic bag. Pirates!

We Americans usually find ourselves drained about this time of year. As if someone pulled the plug out of our life-hole and all that’s left is a few pebbles under the bag.

This morning I read a scripture that I knew God wanted me to meditate on. I thought it was just for me. Then as I began to pen....ahem...type this tale, I realized that He wants you to mediate on it as well.

Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I LOVE the Message version:

Matthew 5:3
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

As I mediated on those words and read on through the chapter in the Message Re-mix, I realized the whole gist of the Beatitudes is that God wants us to draw close to Him so he can refill us. Here, read these verses for yourself:

Matthew 5:3-10
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
[4] "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
[5] "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
[6] "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
[7] "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
[8] "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
[9] "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
[10] "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.


I get it! Just as the empty Pop-Tart box made me crave the tasty treats all the more; the empty me is designed to make me crave God! The empty box meant it was time for a refill; the empty me means the same.

So, don’t despise the void. Let your weakness draw you to Him. Consume God. Consume Life. Fill the big empty.

.....and eat more Pop Tarts.