Empty Wells

From Lose it for Life Day by Day, April 28th (Day 118 Binge-Free):

Placing unrealistic expectations on others is like going to an empty well that cannot give us what we need. This may be a familiar scenario for you when you think about your parents, spouse, employer, friends or even your church. We all go back to these empty wells, demanding and pouting for them to give us what we want: attention, support, nurturing, acknowledgement, praise. When they can't deliver in the ways we expect, we may become more demanding, and even judgemental or indignant, about how they have failed us.

This feeling from being let down has been one of our invitations to fill the void with food, either by over-consuming or over-controlling it. We rationalize that because we have unmet needs, we deserve to treat ourselves with desserts, or a snack or just large quantities of food. Then, disappointed in ourselves, we fall into discontent and shame.

It is actually our expectations that are off track. We need to look at all our empty wells with forgiveness, realizing that the people we love are doing the best they can with what they know. We must let go of our demands upon them to give us what they do not possess to give. Then we must turn to Jesus for our deeper spiritual thirst to be met.

Today, Lord, forgive me for going to empty wells and demanding that all my needs be met. I want to run to You and drink from the bottomless well of Your presence, love, and mercy.