Throughout the year I lay aside my summer “must read” book list. While I was on vacation, I read Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. I was caught by their analogy of an “Emotional Tank.” “The Emotional Tank is like the gas tank of an automobile. If your car’s tank is empty, you can’t drive very far. If your Emotional Tank is empty, you are not going to be able to perform at your best.”

Think with me for a moment, how our emotional connectedness impacts our faith. Belief by itself does not equate to action. The authors point out that, “Everyone believes there is tremendous human suffering in Africa; there’s no doubt about the facts. But belief does not necessarily make people care enough to act. Everyone believes that eating lots of fatty food leads to health problems; there is no doubt about the facts. But the belief does not make people care enough to act.” The authors’ premise: “Feelings inspire people to act.” Or, in biblical terms, “loving God and others as yourself.” Emotional health impacts spiritual, relational and physical wellness!

Loving self has a whole lot to do with resourcing our Emotional Tank. The question of the day is “What is filling my Emotional Tank?” My prayer is that you start each day feeding your mind and your spirit with God’s Word. Keeping in step with the Spirit is a great way to fill our emotional tanks! What fills your Emotional Tank?