The Cupboard Was Bare     

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to fetch her poor dog a Bone.  When she got there, the cupboard was bare, and the poor dog got none.

This nursery rhyme is so much more than just a children’s ditty.   Old Mother Hubbard was suffering tiredness, stress or burnout.  Firstly, who puts a bone in the cupboard?  Dog bones should have been kept in the fridge! 

Now I’m not a mother nor will I ever be one, but I do know that mothers are amazing people who transform a house into a home. They have hugs that transform sadness into happiness and can even turn disgusting vegetables into edible dishes. Mothers always make sure everyone else is sorted before doing something for themselves and looking after their own needs.

Just like Old Mother Hubbard had nothing left to give her dog, sometimes mothers (or fathers) have nothing left to give. Even if you feel like this, you will somehow get up tomorrow and do it all over again. You will love your children and be the best mum or dad you can be. Parenting is hard and can leave you feeling drained and empty. There will be days where you want to throw in the towel. Days where you just can’t take it anymore.

When you have nothing left to give, take some time for yourself and make time for God.

Jesus knew about being tired, drained and burnt-out.  The Bible has many stories including one in Ezekiel 37: 1-14.

Casting crowns turned this passage into a powerful song that is one of my favourites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfQ8b0CdSnk

I challenge you to make time for yourself and most important tell God about how you feel. Let His spirit breathe a new breath into you so you can be a mighty warrior for Him again.