I’m writing from Shaver Lake as we have a group up here camping out for our Family Camp. We’re having a great time, enjoying God’s beautiful creation, growing closer to God and each other. We had an interesting experience today that I thought I’d share with you as we drove out to Mono Hot Springs up above Huntington Lake.

Four vehicles left the campground at Shaver Lake, two of them with fuel tanks registering ¼ full. My van happened to be one of them. As we made our way up the mountain roads, an uneasiness grew in my stomach as I observed the fuel needle quickly descending from a quarter tank to an eighth tank to lining up with the “E.” The fuel light came on, and the needle continued to drop. Not knowing how much further it would be until our destination, as well as the drive out, with no gas stations anywhere within 50 miles, finally I pulled off the road. We discussed our options, with one of the other drivers equally nervous since he was likewise well into the “danger zone.”

We all decided to pile into the remaining two vehicles, make the rest of the trip, and hope and pray we could make it out on what little gas was left. Long story short, we were able to buy a couple gallons of gas down the road a ways, and that was enough to get us back to camp, after a very fun time at the hot springs. What amazed me was that as I poured one gallon of gas into my tank, the needle went from below the “E” up to almost a quarter tank. That was enough to easily get us back to home base at Shaver where we could refuel.

OK, so, as I pondered the lessons to be learned from this experience (and “enjoyed” being the brunt of several jokes), it occurred to me there are many, and I might as well share some with you:

1. Just as in our vehicle, God has created us with gauges which must be monitored. Physical, emotional and spiritual tanks can all run dry if ignored. If we think we can go forever, and are invincible, we’re gonna have a rude awakening some day. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before the fall.” (Prov. 16:18) Periodic refueling is essential – it’s how God made us.

2. A small amount of fuel can go a long ways. We don’t need to be overflowing to make progress, as good as it is to have a full tank. Just a dose of healthy “fuel” can get you moving down the road, heading in the right direction toward a spot where you can be completely refilled.

3. Don’t wander too far from the nearest “refueling station.” We each have some place where we get charged up (physically, emotionally and spiritually), and it is essential we keep track of where we are and how to return to our fuel pumps. Spiritually, that may be church, your growth group, your daily time with the Lord, or a combination of all three.

Lots more I could share, but I’m chalking it up to a good day where God was gracious in getting us back home safely, and reminded me of some important lessons at the same time.

Praise God for the way He has made us, where we are regularly reminded of our dependence upon Him, and our need to be refueled in key areas of our life. Pray for wisdom as you check your gauges.

Pressing on,

Eric