It was a Sunday morning, and the sun was shining brilliantly as I entered the hospital for a routine examination. I was pregnant with twins and had been on bed rest for several weeks.  But, as I walked into the hospital, there was a pep in my step.  I was looking forward to the baby shower planned for the twins later that day.  However, upon examination, I was informed that one was under duress, and I needed an immediate C-section. 

The twins were born that day, six weeks early, each the size of a football.  I remember the circumstances of their delivery and the tenuous weeks following their birth.   One was diagnosed with a bleeding head, and the other with breathing issues. Upon delivery, the twins were whisked away and placed in the neonatal intensive care unit.

I remember feeling bereft once I was discharged from the hospital without them. There was a hollowed-out feeling in my heart every time I looked at the empty nursery at home. 

Debilitating or Stimulating

• 

Each day, my husband and I made the 35-mile drive to see our babies.    Over time, we noticed they did minimal crying compared to other babies within the unit.  

I voiced my observation to the nurse one day as she administered an injection to them, to which the twins reacted with a quick whimper.  The nurse responded, “preemies usually won’t waste energy on crying, but conserve it for other vital functions.”

Wow!  Those words sat with me for some time.

Our twins were in a vulnerable state following their birth, and they were instinctively preserving their strength. They were conserving their energy for growth instead of wasting it by crying.

Yes, there are times when saying NO to crying or other debilitating emotions are NOT worthwhile.

There are times when using our resources in certain circumstances does more harm than good.

We must ask ourselves, is this life-giving or life-taking?

Substance is the most important or essential part of something. It must be maintained for moments conducive to growth.

Moments that even if it takes a toll on us, someone or something is benefitted from it.

Have there been times when you have wasted your substance on things that were draining instead of life-giving? 

Have you ever poured time and energy into someone or something that no longer served your purpose?

Have you ever wasted your substance on regrets and what-ifs? 

Wasted it, worrying about the future.

Wasted it, living for the approval of others. 

Wasted it, banging on closed doors, clearly NOT meant to be opened. 

Have you ever wasted your substance on things that were draining instead of sustaining? 

Samson & The Prodigal Son

I think about two people in the bible, who in my opinion, wasted their substance. 

In the book of Judges, we have Samson, a man of immense strength.  His birth was a promise filled with possibility and purpose. However, he wasted his substance toying with Delilah, a woman he had no business with, whose sole aim was to destroy him. 

Delilah sapped Samson’s strength daily by allowing him to be vulnerable to his enemies.  Over time his strength was diminished; he was overpowered and captured.   

Samson was blinded, bound, and left to languish in prison, where he became a laughingstock.

The word “Prodigal” means wasteful, reckless, and uncontrolled.  When we read about his story in Luke 15, we can clearly see why.  This son became dissatisfied with home.  He requested his inheritance from his father and traveled to a distant country. Once there, he “wasted his substance” with riotous living, was left in such a state of want, he was tempted to eat from the pigs he was tending.   

Samson and the Prodigal Son hit rock bottom and were reduced to a helpless and hopeless state.  Thankfully, they came to their senses and were reconnected to the Source.  Both men received new vigor and were able to triumph over their situations.

Where Are You On Your Runway?

The twins celebrated their 23rd birthday this year.  Their release from the hospital was on a wet and stormy day, albeit a joyous one.   Thankfully they are both healthy.  

I have recounted in their hearing the circumstances surrounding their birth on numerous occasions.    I want to remind them they defied the odds at birth by instinctively knowing the importance of preserving their substance.   I want them to carry that mindset throughout their lifetime.  It is something I am mindful of as well.

I recall a video of Sylvester Stallone talking about time.  He stated, “you always think you have an abundance of time, especially when you’re young.  Then suddenly, you realize, there is less runway up ahead than behind.”  Do not waste time or damaging emotions.  Use the time you have, focusing on your vision and purpose.”

Where are you on your runway?

What are you pouring your time and energy into?

Because no matter where we are in life, it’s never too early or too late to evaluate and make necessary changes.  Pouring water into a broken cistern will leave us dry and dissatisfied. 

Let’s commit to ourselves to use what’s left of our runway for purposeful endeavors. 

Let’s stop wasting our substance on meaningless pursuits.

Replenish Your Substance,

With – The Water I Give