A Lesson from Popcorn

Popcorn is usually a rather crazy event when it is served around here. With 6 boys what else could it be? It is not uncommon to find little boys digging into the big bowl that we typically use, to grab two overflowing handfuls of popcorn and begin stuffing it in their mouths … only to reach in and do it again.

I’m almost sad to say that I have succumbed to this craziness and although I still only grab a piece or two at a time, one learns to eat fast or get none at all.

The other day, the big boys were home, the 5 year old was off to Grammie’s house and the twins were napping. Not surprisingly, popcorn was the snack served and each of us were actually a little excited to get our very own little container of popcorn. It was a novelty, but for some reason, apparently, I felt like I still needed to beat the clock.

My 10 year old pointed out that I was a fast eater and showed me that his container was still half full when mine was empty. Since he’s not typically one that takes his time doing anything, it hit home that I truly had eaten my serving too quickly.

Even more profoundly though, I realized in that moment, that all too often my relationship with God is similar. I have to fight for my time alone with Him, and still always feel like I have to hurry when an opportunity to be still and meditate on His word does present itself instead of enjoying the moment and truly listening to Him.

It is a sad realization because it means that I’m missing out. Amazingly, I still struggle to fully understand the impact on my daily life when I don’t spend time getting refreshed and renewed daily by spending time with God! I usually do feel like I’m running on empty, but unlike my car which I dutifully fill up when it hits a quarter tank, I let myself go until the sputtering and other telltale signs are almost overwhelming.

Although I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you don’t fully relate to my popcorn story, it is entirely too common for moms to run on empty! So for all of you, be encouraged and renewed today by spending just a few minutes before the Lord and in His Word!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT)

3 Responses to A Lesson from Popcorn
  1. Genny
    January 28, 2009 | 2:49 pm

    Running on empty…so easy to do! This was great, Shera. Thanks.

  2. Andrea
    January 28, 2009 | 3:15 pm

    I so understand what you’re feeling. Much of the time, I race through most things in life to a) just get them over with, or b) because I’m anticipating the next big thing that’s coming up. I’ve been praying to God about this and really trying to slow down and enjoy the moment. So far, I’ve been making some progress but have a long way to go.

    My biggest challenge right now is in my time with God since I have three little ones with another on the way. I used to have a couple hours at least in a day, but this has seriously been whittled down. Feeling tired during my time with God hasn’t helped too much, either. 🙂 As I’m writing this, I think God’s asking me to look at what He’s trying to tell me in these moments. Hmmm…something to think on. Maybe the lesson is in savoring Him – in the small bites or big handfuls He gives us.

  3. RefreshMom
    January 29, 2009 | 2:15 am

    Soooo true! I’m involved in a Bible study that’s broken down into 6 days of “homework.” Individually, each day really doesn’t take too much time, but I inevitably leave it all until the night before (or morning of) the study and rush through the whole thing at once. So even though I get the gist of the study, I definitely don’t get to take it all in the way I want/need to. (And I’m a fast eater too–I can start last and still finish first in my family!)