Own Your Cup: Living Full in a Draining World

It was a blissful morning—8:30 a.m., a cool breeze gently stirred the air, the skies a cerulean blue, and a wisp of whimsy danced on the wind. Through my car’s speakers, the Word of God was being read aloud, and every syllable filled my soul like living water. As the reading ended, I followed with a passionate prayer, asking God for strength and grace to take on the day.

I stepped out of the car, stretched long and full, arms raised high in gratitude. I was a vessel brimming with joy, hope, and purpose. I was ready. My mission that day? To encourage 80 employees at a local workplace in my role as a chaplain and caregiver. I was armed with Scripture, Spirit, and a smile.

I ascended the stairs, threw open the door, and approached my first encounter—ready to pour out. I extended a hand with enthusiasm and welcomed them to share.

And share they did.
Then they vented.
Then they unloaded.
Then they dumped every frustration of the week.

Ten minutes later, my once-overflowing cup was halfway empty—and I still had 79 more people to go.

With the determination of a marathoner, I caught my breath, gathered my energy, and approached the next person. This one, full of life and joy, became an artesian well—refilling my spirit with encouragement and laughter.

Can you relate?

Have you ever walked into work full from a restful weekend only to be met with a note that says, “See me” from your boss?
Maybe your phone rings and your wife has a flat tire—and you’re the only one who can help.
Or you check your bank account and find charges from a state you don’t even live in.

Just like that, your emotional and spiritual reserves drain. What began as an overflowing day suddenly leaves you running on fumes.

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You Have a Cup Inside You

We all carry an invisible cup.
That cup is either full, empty, or somewhere in between.
Your cup level determines your ability to:

• Focus

• React with grace

• Maintain vision

• Sustain energy

• Engage meaningfully with others

When your cup is full, you can see clearly—like a pilot flying at 10,000 feet on a clear day. Vision is sharp. Decisions come easily. Relationships flow.

When your cup is empty, you can’t see at all. You’re flying blind—scary and dangerous not just for you, but for those who depend on your leadership at home, work, or in ministry.

This isn’t about personality or temperament. This is about awareness.
And it’s about stewardship—of your inner life.

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Four Things I Want You to Do

1. Recognize the Cup.
   Accept that this invisible reservoir exists—and that it impacts every part of your life.

2. Evaluate the Level.
   Check your current cup level. Are you thriving, coasting, or running on empty?

3. Own Your Cup.
   Take responsibility. Fill it regularly through Scripture, prayer, rest, life-giving relationships, and healthy rhythms.

4. Read the Cups Around You.
   Learn to discern the cup levels of others. If your child is melting down, their cup is probably bone dry. If your team member is disengaged, find out what’s draining them.

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Fill and Overflow

Imagine starting your week with a full cup. Now imagine ending your day with enough awareness and love to fill the cups of your spouse, your children, your co-workers.

That’s not idealism—it’s wisdom.

You can’t give what you don’t have. But when you’re filled, you can overflow into others with purpose and power.

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So, How’s Your Cup Today?

• Is it full? Half-full? Running dry?

• What can you do right now to refill it?

• Who around you could use a refill?

Let’s stop reacting from empty tanks. Let’s stop living blind.
Let’s own our cups—and in doing so, change our world.

You were made to live full.
Now go be a cup-filler. In Jesus’ name.