Lisa Notes: Empty me

Empty me

“What’s it time to let go of,
or start letting go of, at this point?”
~ H. NORMAN WRIGHT, What’s Next?

I’m afraid of the answer.
It’s complicated (isn’t it always?).

I listened to the Easter message Saturday night on empty...

Empty cross (praise God!)
Empty tomb (hallelujah!)
Empty me (um...)

The pastor told of his joy as a child receiving a dime for every can or bottle he returned. The empty ones. Those were ones that promised value.

Tuesday will be the last official day of homeschooling for me. After almost 20 years, I’ll wake up Wednesday morning with no lesson plans to write, no school books to order, no “I’m ready when you are” proclamation to start our school day.

Emptying myself of school is one thing.
Letting go of a daughter is quite another.

There are more letting go’s I’m praying over.
Soul spaces to clean out. Yearnings of the heart to release.

But in the emptiness there is value.

In handing the Master an empty vessel, I am promised reward—a refilling.
He believes in overflow (John 4:14).
I believe, too.

I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
Philippians 3:8-9a

* * *

Over the next few days I’ll be sitting with the Lord to ask,
“What is it time to let go of?”

What is He asking you to let go of?

Comments (26)

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Debbie · 677 weeks ago

I just know God has plans for you. Maybe it's time for a break to refresh and refocus. But you will be used my friend. Time is short and you are one who will be used for His Kingdom purposes. I just know it.

Blessings and love,
Debbie
My recent post Amazing Grace

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

I appreciate your encouragement, Debbie, and will take it to heart. I know you've been through lots of hard changes yourself and have weathered them beautifully for His glory. You're an inspiration.
My recent post Empty me

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ro elliott 38p · 677 weeks ago

wow...first...I am a bit jealous that you are already done for the year:) I have been schooling for 24 years...(we have a bit of a age span)...i have one graduating in May...and one left at home...It is such a huge transition...the closing of one chapter...but a start of a new one in this book written by your life. Blessings and Grace as you listen to Him speak.
My recent post Thanksgiving Turns Us Toward the Light.

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

24 years...you have great perseverance. :-) That's great. Stay strong.

Yes, the closing of a chapter--and it leaves quite a mess behind it. I figure it will take me at least a year to clean out all my homeschooling papers and books and my house in general! (Is that way too optimistic???)

Grace as I listen to Him speak...that is what I want. Thank you...
My recent post Empty me

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Barbara H. 65p · 677 weeks ago

Interesting to think on the value of empty things! I don't know if I have ever thought about it quite like that. Years ago a a couple of brothers at our church used to sing a song called "Treasures," I think, that had the line something like "God could not pour His blessings into hands already full." I know your hands/time/attention have been full of one kind of blessing, but as that comes to an end I know He'll have others to fill you with. (Preaching to myself as well as my youngest graduates in May.)

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

Yep, we'll be in the same boat next month. Will be interesting to see what God puts into our hands next. I'm guessing that you're like me: it's not that you don't already have a million things you could do to stay occupied the rest of your life; it's which ones will surface as most worthy.
My recent post Empty me

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Connie@raiseyoureyes · 677 weeks ago

Oh so many "letting go" moments in our lives. Some of them gut wrenching---as when my husband got cancer and passed on many years ago.

Yet, a faint whiff on the winds lets us know there is more adventure coming as GOD unfolds His plan. Praying, yet knowing He will do this for you.

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

You are strong, Connie. Losing a husband to cancer must have been terribly difficult. I appreciate your prayers of faith for me.
My recent post Empty me

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Julie · 677 weeks ago

It's a Pray Hard...Trust God....Hang On... moment - every single time... But standing where I am today, with over half a century of walking this journey behind me....I know that my God is faithful. That HE DOES want me to empty myself of my plans....my dreams...my wants...my routine...my comfort zone.... Every single time when I let go....He faithfully works for good, even when I let go of..."poorly". God is good like that. Thankful for His NEVER-changing patience and love and mercy. If God is going to give/fill up, I am going to have to Give Up...or Let Go....If I don't, there is NO way I am ever going to realize the GRACE and blessings abundant that He rains down. LOVE your post Lisa...thanks for making ponder God and His ways and work....every post!!! {{hugs}} xoxo
My recent post Merry Monday Easter style...

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

Getting to look back over many years of our journeys...such a gift that comes with age, yes? And yes, God is faithful, always. I need to be reminded of that often. No matter what lies ahead, his faithfulness in the past proves he can be trusted for the future. Thanks, Julie! May he give you much grace on your week!
My recent post Empty me

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Messy Marriage · 677 weeks ago

Can't wait to see what God fills your emptiness with in the days, weeks and years to come, Lisa! I know it's going to be something wonderful! Great post, as always! :)

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

Thanks, Beth. I'm excited about it too. There are so many things I've put on hold through the years, but I don't know if that's where I should pick up or not. We'll see!
My recent post Empty me

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floyd 60p · 677 weeks ago

He's been working on me to let go of my false sense of control for years. It is an ongoing process.

That's a tough chapter to close in the life of you and your daughter's lives. I'm praying for the next chapter of your life, I know you'll seek and honor Him.

Congratulations on your successful journey with teaching, my condolences on reaching the goal... Life is funny that way isn't it...Not funny haha, funny-peculiar...
My recent post ONCE AGAIN…

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

I like how you worded that: "my false sense of control." Sometimes we try to give up our control before we realize that it's just a facade of control to start off with. I know; I struggle with this one too.

Thanks for your prayers for the next chapter. Glad God authors our life's book! He makes it for more interesting than I ever could.

My recent post Empty me

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journeytoepiphany 45p · 677 weeks ago

I marvel that God has led me to someone walking through the same place as I am...I am emptying myself of busyness and commitments at the moment. There are two things I am working on. They are the only things I feel a "go" about. It is strange not to have a million things on my plate...all for someone else. But I'm excited! Excited to see what God has for the two of us, you and I. :)
My recent post Poured out. empty.

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

I'm glad we're on this same journey too. It's already been interesting. During Lent I tried to narrow down my commitments each day and it was tough, so I feel your pain in emptying yourself of that. I know the Lord will guide us and we will be blessed by our walks with Him and each other! Let's stay in touch about what he does next in our lives.
My recent post Empty me

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joepote01 41p · 677 weeks ago

Transitions are difficult, but a bit adventuresome, too.

Here's your chance to brainstorm with God..."Hey, who shall we minister to next?"
My recent post Divorce is Sin… Says Who?

1 reply · active 677 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 677 weeks ago

Transitions definitely can be adventuresome--which is interesting because my word of the year is "venture." While I did realize I'd be going through a transition this year with my daughter, there have been other transitions that I didn't have a clue about, so obviously God knew more than I did! No surprise there.

Brainstorming with God...makes me smile. :-) Thanks, Joe.
My recent post Empty me

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Melissa · 677 weeks ago

The letting go moments are so hard but I find I always learn valuable lessons during the transitions. Praying for you!

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bluecottonmemory 55p · 677 weeks ago

The letting go of a journey stage is hard yet so filled with excitement. Kind of a homecoming time, a coming full-circle. I am excited for the new journey God will take you on !
My recent post With Words, I Dance Worship

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Cooking Up Faith · 677 weeks ago

Wow! What a change this will be for you. But God is all about change - He created seasons. :) Praying for you during this new season in your life.

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dukeslee 37p · 677 weeks ago

Praying that God opens new doors and pours out His grace upon you in the coming season, Lisa. Praying also that He offers you peace, abundant peace.
My recent post Every Morning Is Easter Morning From Now On

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pamela · 677 weeks ago

Changes are so difficult--especially when they involve our children. I'm excited to see what God leads you to next. Amazing places, above what you could ask or thing, I'm sure!

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Alicia · 677 weeks ago

Oh, change can be so hard. Love the image of the empty bottle. And love our Savior who invites us to empty so we can be filled. I know He's got plans to fill you in amazing ways in the new season to come. Sitting quietly with Him sounds like a great place to begin :) Blessings to you as you discover what's next!
My recent post Multitude Mondays: Why Our Neighbors Might Think We're Crazy

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Jerri · 677 weeks ago

I understand your feelings - I've been letting go for over a year now since my youngest left home. I have not done too well ...

Thanks for sharing the analogy of empty things. It does make you think.
My recent post Daybook-04.09.12

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Laura 49p · 677 weeks ago

oh, wow, Lisa. Twenty years? Such a transition, my friend. But, yes, I agree with all these voices...God has plans. I can't wait to see what He does with your empty.
My recent post Hope is a Tree

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